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Biography of H.E. Dr Javier Solana,
Recipient of the Vision for Europe Award 2003

Dr. Javier Solana was born in Madrid on 14 July, 1942. He is married to Concepción Giménez and has two children.

He has a Doctorate in Physics, and was a Fullbright scholar at several American universities.

A Professor of Solid-state Physics at Madrid Complutense University, he is the author of over thirty publications in his field.

He is a member of the Spanish Chapter of the Club of Rome.

He joined the Spanish Socialist Party in 1964.

He has been a Member of Parliament since 1977.

He has been a Minister in the Spanish Cabinet without interruption since 1982.

From December 1982 until July 1988 he held office as Minister for Culture. Between July 1985 and July 1988 he acted simultaneously as Government Spokesman.

In July 1988 he was appointed Minister for Education and Science.

From July 1992 to December 1995 he was Minister for Foreign Affairs.

From December 1995 to October 1999 he was Secretary General of NATO before taking up his new post as Secretary General of the Council of the European Union/High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Since November 25, 1999 he has been Secretary General of WEO.

 
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