Ana Gallego describes herself as “a Granadan first and a convinced European jurist second”. Since 2021, she has been director general for justice and consumers at the European Commission, making her one of the most senior Spaniards in the EU’s institutions.
From Granada to Brussels
Born in Granada in 1974, Gallego studied law and translation at the University of Granada. Her route to the top of the Commission was unusual. Rather than rising through the ranks of the EU civil service, she arrived from the Spanish administration — the reason she jokingly calls herself a “parachutist”.
Before moving to Brussels she was director general for international legal cooperation at Spain’s justice ministry. Earlier, she had worked on justice affairs at Spain’s permanent representation to the EU, where she gained experience of negotiating European legislation and of the difficulties member states face in applying it.
A broad public service career
During her career in the Spanish civil service, Gallego also worked in culture and education, giving her experience across several areas of government — useful in a Commission department whose work covers everything from judicial cooperation to consumer protection.
Rule of law
One of the most visible parts of her department’s work is the Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report, which assesses the state of the justice system, anti-corruption measures, media freedom and checks and balances in every EU member state. The report has become a key reference in the EU’s disputes with governments accused of undermining judicial independence.
Her department has also been involved in the EU’s response to the war in Ukraine, including work on gathering and preserving evidence of possible war crimes, and in efforts to modernise justice through digital tools that make it easier for citizens and businesses to deal with cross-border legal matters.
Style
Colleagues describe her as firm on legal principles but pragmatic in negotiation, and as someone who keeps in close contact with national justice ministries. She is also known for encouraging young women lawyers in their careers.
