Christos Papoutsis

Christos Papoutsis (Χρήστος Παπουτσής; born April 11, 1953) is a Greek socialist politician who has served as Minister for Citizen Protection (2010–12), Mercantile Marine Minister (2000–01) Member of the European Parliament (1984–95) and European Commissioner for Energy and Euratom Supply Agency, Small business and Tourism (1995–1999).

He was born in Larissa, Greece, in 1953 and later moved to Athens where he studied Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University.

After his university years he became politically active in the Democratic Movement against the Greek military junta – dictatorship- of 1967–1974.

From 1984 to 1995, he was elected Member of the European Parliament for three consecutive terms (1984, 1989, 1994).

During 1984 - 1995 period held the following positions:

During his tenure in the European Commission and the Minister for Citizen Protection, he collaborated his various High E.U. officials, such as Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and Director Wainwright.

During his political career he has been accredited with the following awards:

Christos Papoutsis is married to Ioulia Taliouri.

Their daughter, Zoi Melina holds a bachelor's degree from the School of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business and a master's degree from Yale University.

During this period he held the positions of Vice-President of the Socialist Group of the European Parliament (1987–1994) and Head of PASOK MEP delegation in the European Parliament (1989–1994).

Along with his mandate in the European Parliament, he served as International Relations Secretary and PASOK Representative at the Socialist International, from 1988 to 1994.

During 1995 to 1999 held the following positions/had the following responsibilities:

Furthermore:

Member of the Greek Parliament for Athens (PASOK party) through four general elections (2000, 2004, 2007, 2009), following his return to Greece after 16 years of serving in the European Institutions.

During this period held the positions of:

Since 2000 he has been elected consecutively member of the Hellenic Parliament with PASOK (2000, 2004, 2007 and 2009 elections).

He also was candidate for Mayor of Athens (2002).

In 2002 he was a candidate for Mayor of Athens in the local elections.

As Leader of the Opposition served in the Municipal Council Athens (2002–2006) and participated in the preparation, organization and conduct of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Minister of Mercantile Marine in the Government of PASOK under Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Represented Greece at the Transport Council of the European Union.

Promoted the competitiveness and prestige of the Hellenic Mercantile Marine with legislative initiatives for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment and the education of Greek seafarers.

In particular:

He was appointed European Commissioner for Energy under the Santer Presidency, with an extended portfolio pertaining to Energy, EURATOM Supply Agency, SMEs, Tourism and Social Economy.

During his mandate he put forward a series of policies in the areas of Green Energy, Enterprise Policy, Commerce, Tourism and Social Economy.

He has also served as the Secretary of the Parliamentary Group and Parliamentary Spokesman for the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), the majority party in Greece (2009–2010).

He served as Minister of Citizen Protection responsible for the national security of the country, with the PASOK government serving under Prime Minister George Papandreou (2010-2011), and in the coalition government under Prime Minister Lucas Papademos (2011-2012).

Major Achievements in that time:

Created a stable, integrated framework for the supervision and coordination of all state services for internal security and civil protection of the country.

Introduced structural and functional changes upgrading the Hellenic Police, the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Fire Service.

At the same time, modernized the institutional framework of the National Intelligence Service.

Established:

Created new structures of the Greek State for the implementation of the European Asylum policy and handling of illegal migration:

Further established:

On July 12, 2013, he was appointed as Greece's Representative to the World Bank.