Katarina Ivanković Knežević

Katarina Ivanković Knežević is the Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion. Since her appointment in 2018, she has been focusing on modernising social protection systems and fostering greater social and active inclusion across the EU, ensuring access to adequate support and services. Ms Ivanković Knežević plays a significant role in implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights, specifically targeting poverty and child poverty reduction and social inclusion. Additionally, she oversees the European Social Fund + (ESF+) and Social Climate Fund programming and implementation in 11 EU Member States, as well as the attainment of social and employment objectives in the context of European Semester.

Prior to joining the European Commission, Ms Ivanković Knežević served as State Secretary in Croatia’s Ministry of Labor and Pension Systems, where she managed the European Social Fund and oversaw human resource development programmes. Her career spans over two decades with a focus on human rights, gender equality, and social policy innovation, establishing her as a prominent advocate for inclusive and sustainable social systems throughout Europe.”