Karel Van Miert (17 January 1942 – 22 June 2009^[1]) was a socialist Flemish politician.

Karel Van Miert

He was born in Oud-Turnhout. He studied at Ghent University (1962–1966) and gained a degree in diplomatic sciences. In 1976 he became adjunct-national secretary of the – at that time – unitary Belgian socialist party. Two years later he became president of the Flemish socialist party. In 1989 he was appointed European commissioner responsible for transport, credit and investment and consumer policy. In 1992 he also became in charge of environment. On May 26, 1992 he was appointed Minister of State. From 1993 till 1999 he served as vice-chairman of the European commission and was responsible for competition policy. In 2001, he was awarded the Vlerick Award. He also worked with Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical corporation.

On June 22, 2009, 67-year-old Van Miert died at his home in Beersel, after falling from a garden ladder.^[1]

[edit] Political curriculum

• Member of the European Parliament (1979–1985)
• Deputy in the Belgian Chamber (1985–1988)
• European Commissioner (1989–1999)

[edit] Notes

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