The Institute for Education (IFE) welcomes H.E. Frédéric Bernard, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium, to the Capital City!
We are pleased to announce that Ambassador Bernard has graciously accepted the distinguished position of IFE Diplomatic Steward, continuing the legacy of his predecessors. We look forward to his contributions in the diplomatic arena in DC and his partnership with the IFE community.
ABOUT OUR DIPLOMATIC STEWARD: Frédéric Bernard is Belgium’s Ambassador-appointed in the United States starting February 2025. He represents His Majesty The King of the Belgians and Belgium’s federal government in the United States of America and in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He is responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including bilateral political and economic relations, visa and consular services.
Before joining Washington, DC, Frédéric Bernard served as Head of Cabinet (Chief of Staff) of the President of the European Council (2020-2024), where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the European Union’s positions at the highest level. Frederic Bernard was also G7 sherpa for the European Union and negotiated for the Union the G7 statements between 2020 and 2024. From 2019 to 2020, he served as the Sherpa of the President of the European Council, engaging in negotiations with key stakeholders across EU institutions and Member States.
Between 2017 and 2019, Frédéric Bernard was Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Belgium for European affairs, preparing Belgium’s positions at the European level and supporting the Prime Minister’s European engagements. Prior to this, he served as Coordinator for External Action at Belgium’s Permanent Representation to the EU (2013-2017), overseeing advisors working on geographic groups within the EU Council and managing Belgium’s positions on enlargement and Western Balkans policy.
Frédéric Bernard also brings deep expertise in European financial negotiations, having worked as an advisor on the European Budget and Multiannual Financial Framework at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2011-2013). Earlier in his career, he played a key role in the logistics and budgetary planning for Belgium’s Presidency of the Council of the EU (2009-2011). His diplomatic experience includes a posting as First Secretary at the Belgian Embassy in Dakar (2007-2009), where he provided political and economic reporting, and oversaw security and crisis management.
A career diplomat, Frédéric Bernard joined Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2006. He holds a specialized degree in European Affairs from the Université Libre de Bruxelles and a master’s degree in history from the Université de Liège. He also studied at the Universität Bayreuth in Germany.
Fluent in French, English, and Dutch, with proficiency in German, he actively promotes multilingualism, intercultural dialogue, and education. He is married and a proud father of three young children. In his free time, he enjoys field hockey, playing the piano, and carpentry.
For the past 12 years IFE has had the honor of partnering with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium and their Ambassadors who have generously opened their home to dozens of IFE salons and dinners. In addition to graciously hosting special guest speakers, they have also attended IFE programs throughout the Capital City lending their voice and valuable perspective to the conversation.
Previous Diplomatic Stewards include:
- H.E. H.E. Jean-Arthur Régibeau 2020-2024
- H.E. Dirk Wouters, IFE Diplomatic Steward from 2016-2020
- H.E. Johan C. Verbeke, IFE Diplomatic Steward from 2014-2016
- H.E. Jan Matthysen, IFE Diplomatic Steward from 2009-2014
- H.E. Dominique Struye de Swielande, 2007–2009
- H.E. Frans van Daele, 2002–2006
- H.E. Alexis Reyn, 1998–2002
- H.E. Baron Herman Dehennin, 1991
