Erkki Liikanen
Erkki Liikanen | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 19, 1950 Finland |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, economist |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Known for | Governor of the Bank of Finland (2004–2018), European Commissioner (1995–2004), Finnish Minister of Finance (1987–1990) |
| Notable work | Liikanen report |
Erkki Antero Liikanen (born 19 September 1950) is a Finnish politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party and a former Governor of the Bank of Finland.
Early life and education
In 1975, Erkki Antero Liikanen completed his bachelor's degree in Political Science with a focus on Economics at the University of Helsinki.
Political career
At age 21, Liikanen secured a seat in the Finnish Parliament. He was appointed Minister of Finance in the Holkeri Cabinet beginning in 1987. He resigned from Parliament in 1990 to assume the role of Finland’s inaugural Ambassador to the European Union.
In 1994, Liikanen became Finland’s first representative on the European Commission, where he managed the Budget, Personnel, and administrative sectors, encompassing translation services and information technology.
From July 2004 until 2018, he led as Governor of the Bank of Finland. During this period, he simultaneously served as a member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank and as Finland’s Governor at the International Monetary Fund.
In 2012, EU Commissioner Michel Barnier entrusted Liikanen with chairing an expert panel focused on structural reforms within the EU banking system. This initiative culminated in the notable Liikanen report.
Between 2008 and 2014, Liikanen also held the position of Chairman of the Finnish Red Cross.
A 2019 poll by Reuters recognized Liikanen as a potential consensus candidate for President of the European Central Bank, underscoring his ongoing influence in European financial governance.
Positions held
- 2004–2018 Governor, Bank of Finland
- 1995–2004 Member, European Commission, Brussels
- 1990–1994 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of Finnish Mission to the EU, Brussels
- 1987–1990 Minister of Finance
- 1983–1987 Parliamentary Trustee to the Bank of Finland (Vice-Chair), Speaker's Council
- 1981–1987 Secretary-General, Social Democratic Party
- 1980–1989 Member and Chairman, Supervisory Board of Outokumpu (steel industry)
- 1978, 1982, 1988 Elected Member, Finnish Presidential Electoral College
- 1972–1990 Member of Parliament; participated in Cultural Affairs, Agriculture and Forestry (Vice-Chair), and Foreign Affairs Committees (Chair)
International organizations
- European Central Bank (ECB), Ethics Committee Member (since 2018)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ex-Officio Board of Governors Member
Non-profit organizations
- Bruegel, Board Chair (since 2020)
- Bilderberg Group, Steering Committee Member
- Systemic Risk Council (SRC), Advisory Board Member
- Trilateral Commission, European Group Member
Personal life
Liikanen is married to Hanna-Liisa Liikanen, and they have two daughters together.
Literary work
- Brysselin päiväkirjat 1990–1994 (edited by Eila Nevalainen)