Curriculum Vitae (English)

Bernd EP 2019

Personal Information

Born on 14 November 1955 in Oldenburg, grew up and attended school in Varel, in the district of Friesland. His parents were self-employed petrol station operators. Two children, resident in the Hanover region.

Political and Professional Career

  • 2025: European Parliament rapporteur for the legislative procedures implementing the EU–US tariff agreements of the so-called “Turnberry Deal”
  • Since 2022: Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of the European Parliament; re-elected Chair in July 2024 for the 10th parliamentary term
  • 2021–2022: Member of the Contact Group on the EU Vaccination Strategy between the European Commission and the European Parliament
  • Since 2019: Chair of the European Parliament's informal working group on “Fair Trade”
  • Since 2019: Member of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
  • 2019–2024: Member of the European Parliament's Brexit/EU–UK Coordination Group and subsequently the EU–UK Coordination Group
  • Since 2014: Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA); re-elected Chair in July 2024 for the 10th parliamentary term
  • Since 2014: Standing Rapporteur of the Committee on International Trade for the United States and trade relations between the European Union and the United States
  • 2012–2014: Spokesperson on trade policy for the Social Democratic Group in the European Parliament
  • 2011: European Parliament rapporteur on industrial policy
  • Since 2009: Member of the European Parliament for Lower Saxony
  • Since 2009: Founder and Chair of the European Parliament's Historic Vehicle Group
  • 2009–2022: Member or substitute member of the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
  • 2005–2009: Head of the Department for Economic Affairs, Environment and Europe at the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), Lower Saxony–Bremen–Saxony-Anhalt District
  • 1997–1999: Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy
  • 1994–2004: Member of the European Parliament for Lower Saxony; member of various committees, including those responsible for research, energy, industry, external trade, the environment and consumer policy
  • 1974–1981: Studies at the University of Göttingen
  • Since 1974: Member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and IG Metall
  • 1974: Abitur (German university entrance qualification) at Graf-Anton-Günther-Gymnasium in Oldenburg

Awards and Honours

  • 2026: Lower Saxony State Medal (Niedersächsische Landesmedaille), the highest honour awarded by the State of Lower Saxony
  • 2018: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1st Class
  • 2012/2013: Fair Politician of the Year, awarded by the Max van der Stoel Foundation
  • 2012: MEP of the Year in the Trade category (The Parliament Magazine)
  • 2001: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Cross of Merit on Ribbon
  • 1998: “Automobile Association Award” for improving air quality through European vehicle emissions legislation