With a career that spans Belgian counterterrorism, international missions, and strategic work at CEPOL, our expert in countering violent extremism brings deep experience and personal motivation to EUAM Iraq’s mission of building resilience and peace.
Briefly describe your career and tell us why you applied for a position with EUAM Iraq.
I have many years of experience in the field of counterterrorism and security. I began my career with the Belgian counterterrorism unit and later joined the national fusion center. Throughout those years, I was involved in numerous short-term international missions, which sparked a desire to take on a more long-term international role.
To remain closer to home, I transitioned to the European Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), where I spent over six enriching years based in beautiful Budapest. I’ve followed developments in Iraq closely for many years—particularly as it stood at the epicentre of global terrorism for more than a decade—and when the opportunity arose to contribute to EUAM Iraq, it felt like a meaningful and logical next step. As someone passionate about history, living and working in the cradle of civilisation is both professionally fulfilling and personally inspiring
Tell us about your daily work.
I am responsible for countering violent extremism (CVE), which I consider one of Iraq’s most urgent and complex challenges. While Iraq has made notable progress in counterterrorism, the root causes of violent extremism—such as social exclusion, youth marginalisation, high unemployment, and the worsening effects of climate change—remain unresolved.
My role focuses on supporting initiatives that help reclaim the hearts and minds of young people and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. I work closely with law enforcement agencies, civil society actors, and local stakeholders to design and implement sustainable, context-specific CVE strategies that aim to build long-term resilience against radicalisation.
How do you find working with colleagues from many different backgrounds?
Coming from a multicultural city like Brussels, working with people from diverse backgrounds has always felt natural to me. In fact, I thrive in multicultural environments. Interacting with colleagues from a variety of professional, cultural, and national backgrounds broadens my thinking, enriches my perspective, and makes every day more dynamic and rewarding.
What has been the most rewarding or memorable experience for you on the Mission so far?
My visit to Mosul earlier this year stands out as the most memorable experience. Back in Belgium, I worked extensively on cases involving foreign terrorist fighters—many of whom had travelled to Mosul. I used to receive daily intelligence on the city, so seeing it with my own eyes was deeply symbolic.
Standing in front of the UNESCO-listed Al-Nuri Mosque—one of the oldest mosques in the Middle East and the site where al-Baghdadi declared the so-called caliphate—was a moment of profound reflection. Although the mosque was destroyed by ISIL, seeing the reconstruction efforts led by Iraqis was incredibly moving. It was a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense destruction, resilience and hope can pave the way to renewal.
If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?
Having travelled extensively, I’ve come to appreciate the quality of life that Europe offers. If I had to choose one specific place to live, it would be Andalucía in southern Spain. The region offers a perfect combination of excellent cuisine, a warm and pleasant climate, rich cultural and historical heritage, and—most importantly—a deep spirit of coexistence and cross-fertilisation between Islamic and Christian traditions. I feel a genuine emotional and intellectual connection to the atmosphere and history of the region.
How do you relax?
One of the great advantages of the mission is having sufficient time off to explore the region. I make it a priority to travel regularly, which helps me recharge and broaden my perspective. When I’m in the mission area, I find peace in the simple things—like enjoying a good book under the warmth of the Iraqi sun.