Dirk H. Kranen is the Head of Division in the European Department of the German Federal Ministry of Finance, with over 25 years of responsible management experience in the public and international sectors. Throughout his career, Dirk Kranen has held various notable positions, including Personal Assistant to German Federal Finance Minister Theo Waigel. He also served as a Speechwriter and Economic Advisor to German Federal President Horst Köhler. Additionally, he worked as a Senior Advisor at the International Monetary Fund and as a Financial Counselor at the International Organizations in Geneva. Currently, Dirk H. Kranen is based in Berlin and works in the European Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance. In his role as the Coordinator of Relations with the German Bundestag, he actively participated in the design of parliamentary controls over the European Stability Mechanism. He has also contributed to the European Ministerial Council by preparing the German position on several European Budgets and Multiannual Financial Frameworks. One of his key responsibilities has been overseeing the European Own Resources Mechanism, which determines the income structure of the EU. In recent years, he has been in charge of the financial aspects of the European Cohesion and Agricultural policies, which represent more than 80% of the expenditures of the EU Budget. Leveraging his extensive knowledge of European negotiations, Dirk H. Kranen offers a firsthand perspective into ongoing decision-making processes. He provides insights into the development of the European economy and the challenges posed by the green transition. Decision-makers in the financial sector highly value his expertise in current economic and financial issues. Dirk H. Kranen pursued his studies in Cologne and holds a Masters's degree in Economics as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration. He joined the German Federal Ministry of Finance in 1991 and has also worked for institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the Permanent Mission of Germany to the International Organizations in Geneva, and the German Federal President's Office in Berlin. Notably, during the German G8 presidency, he organized a G8 High-level Meeting on Remittances. Since 2009, he has held various leadership positions in the European Department. Having been an eyewitness to significant milestones in European integration, particularly in the realms of monetary and economic union, as well as European integration and disintegration (Brexit), Dirk H. Kranen possesses a comprehensive understanding of current and former negotiation procedures. In addition, he has served as a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences (htw) and the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin for several years, imparting knowledge on European and International Management, as well as environmental policies. Dirk H. Kranen is a highly regarded and engaging speaker, adept at delivering speeches that effectively convey key points. His presentations are popular and held in high esteem.