Karel Van Miert
Karel Van Miert | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 January 1942 Oud-Turnhout, Belgium |
| Died | 22 June 2009 (aged 67) Beersel, Belgium |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, European Commission official |
| Years active | 1979–1999 |
| Known for | European Commissioner (1989–1999), Vice-chairman of the European Commission (1993–1999) |
Karel Antonius Lucia Maria Van Miert (; 17 January 1942 – 22 June 2009) was a Belgian political figure affiliated with the Different Socialist Party and served as a European Commission official.
Biography
Van Miert was born in Oud-Turnhout and pursued studies in diplomatic sciences at Ghent University from 1962 to 1966. He assumed the role of adjunct-national secretary for the unified Belgian socialist party in 1976 and advanced to party president two years later. His appointment as European Commissioner came in 1989, where he was responsible for transport, credit, investment, and consumer affairs, with environmental policy added to his portfolio in 1992. That year, he also earned the title of Minister of State. Between 1993 and 1999, Van Miert held the position of vice-chairman of the European Commission, focusing on competition policy. During this tenure, The Guardian described him as "one of the most powerful men in Europe."
In recognition of his contributions, Van Miert was honored with the Vlerick Award in 2001. After concluding his political career, he provided consultancy services to the multinational pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company and acted as an international advisor for Goldman Sachs.
Van Miert passed away on 22 June 2009 at age 67 in Beersel, following a fall from a garden ladder caused by cardiac arrest.
Political curriculum
- Member of the European Parliament (1979–1985)
- Deputy in the Belgian Chamber (1985–1988)
- European Commissioner (1989–1999)