Economist Conferences – Greece
Frans Timmermans
Former executive vice president of the European Commission
Serving for nearly a decade at the very heart of European power, Frans Timmermans was first vice-president (2014-2019) and later executive vice-president of the European Commission (2019-2023), where he became the principal architect of the European Green Deal—Europe’s landmark strategy to transform its economy and lead the global fight against climate change. As the EU’s chief climate negotiator on the world stage, Timmermans played a central role in forging international agreements and aligning global ambitions.
Before his tenure in Brussels, Timmermans served as minister of foreign affairs of the Netherlands (2012-2014) in Mark Rutte’s second cabinet, following earlier roles as minister for European Affairs (2007-2010) in Jan Peter Balkenende’s fourth cabinet and a long-standing member of the Dutch Parliament. Across these positions, he built a reputation as a skilled diplomat and strategist, with deep expertise in international security, the rule of law, and democratic transition—particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Widely regarded as a Russia expert, he has been closely engaged with the region’s geopolitical developments for decades.
Frans Timmermans served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2012. During this time, he was the spokesperson for european affairs, defence, and foreign affairs, and chaired the Economic Affairs Committee. He also participated as a member of the European Convention and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
His career spans over 40 years of European political evolution, giving him a unique perspective on the forces shaping today’s world: from the rise of European integration and the inner workings of EU institutions, to the future of climate policy, international negotiations, and the shifting balance of global power. His insights extend to pressing issues such as security in Eastern Europe, the role of Russia, and the defense of rule of law and human rights in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.