Alexander Stubb

Alexander Stubb has served as Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, Trade and Europe Minister of Finland from 2008 to 2016. He was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2008 and also served in the national parliament from 2008 to 2016. Additionally, Stubb was the Chairman of the National Coalition Party from 2014 to 2016 and is currently a Member of the Finnish Parliament. He held the position of Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) from 2017 to 2020.

Stubb has a diverse background spanning academia, civil service, and politics. He holds a Ph.D. in international relations from the London School of Economics, a Master's degree in EU administration from the College of Europe in Bruges, and a B.A. in political science from Furman University in South Carolina. He furthered his education in French language, culture, and civilization at the Sorbonne in Paris. His professional experience includes roles as an adviser at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki and in Brussels, as well as a member of President Romano Prodi’s team at the European Commission from 1995 to 2004. During this time, he was involved in negotiating significant EU treaties such as Amsterdam, Nice, and Lisbon.

Stubb is an author of 16 books, with 11 focusing on various aspects of the European Union. His expertise encompasses European and international affairs, foreign and security policy, and economic issues related to the Euro and the global economy. Currently, his work is focused on global affairs, particularly the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including digitalization, robotization, and artificial intelligence, and health. He chaired the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, working on both national and international sustainable development goals, and sits on the 12-member World Happiness Council, convened by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

An avid athlete and Ironman competitor, Stubb integrates his passion for "Mind, Body and Happiness" into his professional and personal life. He speaks Finnish, Swedish, English, French, and German, and is recognized for his contributions to European political discourse.