Through its enlargement and neighborhood policies, the European Union aims at exporting stability to the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Southern Mediterranean regions. With a broad policy toolbox, the EU fosters political stabilization and socioeconomic transformation, thus helping to lay the basis for the development of its partners. Commissioner Hahn, who spearheads this policy for the EU, will report on the latest successes and challenges, including the migration crisis in the Mediterranean
Johannes Hahn (born in 1957 in Vienna/Austria) has been serving as the Member of the European Commission in charge of Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations since November 2014. He is responsible for the Union's relations with the six Western Balkans countries and Turkey, as well as relations with Europe's Eastern and Southern neighbors, from Ukraine to the South Caucasus and from Syria to the Maghreb. From 2010 to 2014, Dr. Hahn was the Member of the European Commission in charge of Regional Policy. Before joining the Commission, he served as Austria's Federal Minister for Science and Research from 2007-2010, as a Member of the Vienna State Government from 2003 to 2007 and a Member of the Vienna State Parliament from 1996 to 2003. Since the mid-1980ies, he held various senior management functions in different sectors of the Austrian economy, including as board member and CEO of Novomatic AG from 1996-2003. Johannes Hahn holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Vienna.
