Hans-Gert Pöttering

Hans-Gert Pöttering (born 15 September 1945) is a German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who served as the President of the European Parliament from 2007 to 2009. Throughout his career, Pöttering has been a significant figure in European politics, contributing to the development and integration of the European Union (EU).

Early Life and Education

Hans-Gert Pöttering was born in Bersenbrück, Germany, in 1945. He pursued higher education at the University of Osnabrück, where he studied law and political science. Pöttering furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining a doctorate in political science, focusing on European integration, a theme that would dominate his professional career.

Political Career

Pöttering's political career began in earnest when he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in 1979, representing the CDU. He has the distinction of serving continuously in the European Parliament until 2014, making him one of the longest-serving MEPs.

Throughout his tenure, Pöttering held several key positions within the European Parliament and the wider European political landscape. Notably, he was the chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) group from 1999 to 2007, a period during which the EPP became the largest and most influential political group in the European Parliament.

In 2007, Pöttering was elected President of the European Parliament, a role in which he served until 2009. His presidency was marked by efforts to increase the transparency and efficiency of the Parliament, as well as to strengthen the EU's role on the global stage. Pöttering was particularly interested in fostering dialogue between different cultures and religions, a testament to his commitment to the European values of tolerance and mutual respect.

Post-Political Career

After retiring from active politics, Pöttering has remained engaged in European affairs through various roles and organizations. He has been involved with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a political foundation associated with the CDU, where he has focused on promoting democracy and European integration. Pöttering has also served on several advisory boards and committees related to European policy and international relations.

Legacy

Hans-Gert Pöttering's legacy in European politics is significant. His contributions to the European Parliament and the broader process of European integration have been widely recognized. Pöttering's work has helped shape the direction of the European Union, particularly in terms of its parliamentary democracy and international role.

See Also

• European Parliament
• Christian Democratic Union
• European People's Party
• European Union

External Links

• [Official Biography of Hans-Gert Pöttering at the European Parliament]