Editor’s choice
Editor’s choice
Krista Kampus takes up the position of Centre Director at SEI Tallinn, effective 31 August. Kampus brings more than 15 years of experience in European affairs, urban development, sustainability governance and regional cooperation, alongside a distinguished record of leadership in both municipal government and international organizations.
Krista Kampus, SEI Tallinn new Centre Director
Photo courtesy of Krista Kampus
Kampus joins SEI having held senior leadership positions in the Tallinn City Office and Tallinn Strategic Management Office, leading strategic planning, international relations, EU cooperation and strategic sustainability initiatives. Previously, she served as Senior Adviser and Head of the Baltic 2030 Unit at the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), Stockholm, leading regional cooperation on climate, environment and the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the Baltic Sea region.
Kampus was the head of Tallinn’s European Green Capital 2023 program and contributed to developing innovative solutions and governance models to enhance climate action, the circular economy, the green transition, citizens’ engagement and international city partnerships. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with European institutions, city networks, national governments, research organizations and international organizations across Europe and beyond. Her expertise includes sustainability governance, climate and environmental policy, EU funding, regional cooperation and strategic internationalization. Kampus is a strong advocate for the role of cities and regions in advancing sustainable development and shaping future European policies.
“Since SEI Tallinn’s geographical focus includes both the Baltic Sea region and the EU, my aim is to strengthen the centre’s role as a regional competence hub for the green transition,” elaborated Kampus. “The centre has all the prerequisites to support the practical implementation of sustainable solutions both in Estonia and more broadly across Europe. I particularly see SEI Tallinn’s role in supporting the countries of the EU’s Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans on their path towards European integration as highly important. Helping these countries achieve EU environmental, climate, and sustainability standards, and developing the necessary knowledge and capacities, is certainly one of my priorities. I see a strong opportunity here to make use of both SEI’s international knowledge network and the experience of Estonia and the Baltic Sea region to support the sustainable development of these countries and their accession to the EU.”
Krista will bring an excellent skillset of organizational and process management as well as research and engagement, along with relevant local, regional and international networks. The Tallinn Centre plays a key role in the growing connection between environment, resilience and security – along with strong expertise in building accession processes into a mature EU-level science-policy-practice competence – and Krista has demonstrated the kind of leadership skills we wanted to bring to this dynamic team.
Eeva Primmer, SEI Executive Director
Lauri Tammiste will conclude his term as Centre Director of SEI Tallinn by 8 August, and Krista Kampus will take up the position on 31 August, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition in the centre’s work.
The SEI community warmly welcomes Krista and looks forward to working with her in the years ahead.
SEI Tallinn carries out applied research, stakeholder engagement and capacity building in the Baltic Sea Region and the EU.
Other publication / This brief helps local planners and stakeholders understand how NbS can enhance wellbeing through effective design, governance, and impact assessment.
Tool / This modelling tool helps to plan the national-level transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Other publication / This publication presents recommendations to help European regions strengthen climate resilience through better policy alignment.
