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Fritz BolkestainEU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Taxation and Customs Union
Country:
 Netherlands |
Content:
- Biography of Fritz Bolkestein
- Early Life and Career
- Political Career
- European Commission
- Views on EU Expansion and Relations with Russia
- Personal Life
Biography of Fritz Bolkestein
Fritz Bolkestein is a prominent Dutch politician and former European Commissioner for Internal Market, Taxation, and Customs Union. He is known for his views on the expansion of the European Union and the relationship between Russia and the EU.
Early Life and Career
Fritz Bolkestein was born on May 4, 1933, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He studied economics at the University of Amsterdam and later obtained his Doctorate in Economics from the same institution. Bolkestein began his career in academia, teaching economics at the Erasmus University Rotterdam and later serving as a professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Political Career
In 1978, Bolkestein entered politics and was elected to the House of Representatives for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). He served as a Member of Parliament for over two decades, during which he held various positions, including Minister of Defense (1988-1989) and Minister for Economic Affairs (1998-2002).
European Commission
In 1999, Bolkestein was appointed as the European Commissioner for Internal Market, Taxation, and Customs Union. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping EU policies and promoting economic integration within the single market. Bolkestein's views on EU expansion and the relationship with Russia were widely discussed and debated.
Views on EU Expansion and Relations with Russia
Bolkestein believed in the natural expansion of the European Union to include Eastern European countries, such as Poland and Ukraine. He argued that the historical, political, and economic benefits of uniting Western and Eastern Europe outweighed any potential negative consequences. However, he opposed the inclusion of Russia and Ukraine in the EU, citing ideological differences and the difficulty of managing such a large and diverse Union.
Instead, Bolkestein advocated for maintaining friendly relations and promoting trade between Europe and Russia. He believed that trade could flourish without the need for EU membership and that Russia should focus on developing a market economy and democratic governance.
Personal Life
Fritz Bolkestein is married and has four children. He is known for his pragmatic and realistic approach to politics and his commitment to European integration while respecting national identities. Bolkestein considers himself first and foremost a European, emphasizing the importance of European unity while recognizing the significance of national belonging.
Despite his retirement from active politics, Bolkestein continues to be involved in public discourse, sharing his insights and expertise on various economic and political matters.
