Bureau of International Recycling Appoints Alexandra Vartan as Policy Officer for Trade and Environment

Bureau of International Recycling has announced the appointment of Alexandra Vartan as Policy Officer for Trade & Environment. She joined the organization’s advocacy team on 17 March. The announcement was made on 19 March 2026 in Brussels.

Alexandra Vartan brings over four years of professional experience in diplomacy, governance, sustainable development, and capacity building, along with experience across institutional settings in Europe.

A Moldovan and Romanian national, she has lived, studied, and worked in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Switzerland. She holds an LL.M. in Diplomacy and International Law from Lancaster University and an MA in European Political and Governance Studies from the College of Europe.

Her professional background includes managing EU-funded development programmes and contributing to climate and energy policy work at the European Commission’s DG CLIMA. She most recently worked as a Young Professional at the World Trade Organization, where she focused on trade and environment topics. Her work included involvement in initiatives such as the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform, as well as support for Trade and Environment Week.

“We are delighted to welcome Alexandra to our advocacy team at BIR,” says Alev Somer, BIR Trade and Environment Director. “Her international background, combined with strong experience in trade, climate diplomacy and multilateral policy processes, will be instrumental in advancing BIR’s work, particularly in navigating current trade disruptions and barriers affecting global supply chains and economic stability. As Trade & Environment Policy Officer, she will lead our efforts on ferrous, stainless, critical raw materials and shredders, while closely monitoring global policy developments affecting the recycling industry.”

Members of BIR will have the opportunity to meet Alexandra Vartan at the upcoming World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Gothenburg this June.