Joaquín Almunia

Joaquín Almunia is the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. He graduated in Law and Economics at the University of Deusto (Bilbao) and completed postgraduate studies at L’École Practique des Hautes Études de Paris.

Having worked as an economist at the Council Bureau of the Spanish Chambers of Commerce in Brussels, in 1976 he went on to become the Chief economist of the Spanish trade union, UGT. From 1979 to 2004 he served as a Member of the Spanish Parliament, in 1982 becoming Minister of Employment and Social Security, and in 1986, Minister of Public Administration. Joaquín Almunia served as leader of the Parliamentary Party from 1994 to 1997, preceding his appointment as leader of the Spanish Socialist Party from 1997 to 2000. In 2000 he stood as Socialist candidate for Prime Minister. A Member of the European Commission since April 2004, he is the author of several books and numerous academic articles and press columns.