Margaritis Schinas

Margaritis Schinas is a Greek politician and senior official of the European Commission, serving as the European Commissioner for Promoting our European Way of Life since 2019 under President Ursula von der Leyen. Previously, he held the influential role of Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission for over five years during the presidency of Jean-Claude Juncker. A member of the New Democracy party, his career spans significant positions within the European Union institutions, Greek politics, and the private sector.

Early life and education

Born on 25 September 1962 in Thessaloniki, he pursued his higher education at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he studied law. He furthered his specialization in European Union affairs by earning a master's degree in European Political and Administrative Studies from the prestigious College of Europe in Bruges. His academic foundation was complemented by postgraduate studies in UK and US politics and economics at the University of Reading.

Career in the European Commission

His extensive career within the European Commission began in 1990, with early postings in the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs and the Directorate-General for Education and Culture. He served as a member of the Cabinet of President Romano Prodi from 1999 to 2004, focusing on institutional reform and the European Convention. After a period as head of the European Commission Representation in Greece, he was appointed Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission in 2014 by President Jean-Claude Juncker, managing the institution's communication through events like the Brexit referendum and the European migrant crisis. In 2019, President Ursula von der Leyen appointed him as European Commissioner for Promoting our European Way of Life, a portfolio encompassing migration, security union, education, and culture.

Political positions and views

A member of the centre-right New Democracy party, his political outlook is generally aligned with European People's Party policies, emphasizing a balanced approach to migration management, European values, and economic competitiveness. As Commissioner, he has been a prominent advocate for the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, seeking to reform the Common European Asylum System. His portfolio has also focused on initiatives to bolster European identity through programs like Erasmus+ and the defence of rule of law principles, often engaging with the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.

Personal life

He is married and has two children. Fluent in Greek, English, and French, with a working knowledge of German and Spanish, his multilingualism has been an asset in his diplomatic and institutional roles. He maintains a strong connection to his hometown of Thessaloniki and is known for his interest in history and European cinema.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, he has received several honors, including being named a Grand Commander of the Order of Honour by the President of Greece. He has also been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix and the European of the Year award from the newspaper European Voice in 2016 for his communication leadership. His work has been recognized by various cultural and civic organizations across the European Union.

Category:1962 births Category:Living people Category:European Commissioners Category:Greek politicians Category:New Democracy (Greece) politicians Category:College of Europe alumni