Dacian Cioloș
A comprehensive look at the career of a key figure in Romanian and European politics, from agricultural expertise to national leadership.
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Biographical Foundation
Early Life and Education
Born on July 27, 1969, in Zalău, Romania, Dacian Cioloș spent his formative years in the village of Pericei, developing an early affinity for agriculture. His academic journey began at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, where he earned a horticultural engineering degree in 1994. Furthering his expertise, he pursued advanced studies in agricultural economics in France, obtaining master's degrees from the National Graduate School of Agriculture in Rennes and a doctorate from the University of Montpellier 1 in 2006.[1]
European Engagement
Cioloș's early career involved significant engagement with European agricultural policy. He completed internships on organic farms in Brittany and worked with agricultural development agencies, coordinating joint programs between France and Romania. From 1997 to 1999, he interned at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, contributing to the Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (SAPARD). He later managed SAPARD's implementation in Romania from 2002 to 2003.^
Political Affiliations
While maintaining an independent status in Romanian politics for a period, Cioloș was affiliated with the European People's Party (EPP) at the European level. His political trajectory saw him found the Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party (PLUS) and later lead the Save Romania Union (USR) after a merger. He has also been associated with the Renew Europe political group.[4][6][7]
Professional Trajectory
Minister of Agriculture
Cioloș first entered national government as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania from October 2007 to December 2008, serving under Prime Minister Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu. This role provided him with direct experience in managing national agricultural policies and navigating the complexities of the sector.^
European Commissioner
In November 2009, Cioloș was nominated by the Romanian government to serve as the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. He assumed this significant role in February 2010, holding it until November 2014. During his tenure, he focused on modernizing agriculture, ensuring food security, environmental preservation, and supporting farmers' livelihoods, advocating for the adaptation of the Common Agricultural Policy.[12][22]
European Parliament
Cioloș was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Romania in May 2019. He subsequently took on the leadership of the Renew Europe political group, a prominent bloc within the European Parliament, before stepping down to focus on domestic political activities.[36][37][38]
Prime Minister of Romania
Appointment and Term
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Victor Ponta in November 2015, President Klaus Iohannis appointed Dacian Cioloș as Prime Minister. He led a technocratic cabinet of twenty-one members, aiming to bring transparency and reduce bureaucracy. His government was approved by the Romanian Parliament in November 2015 and served until January 2017, concluding after the 2016 legislative elections.[24][25]
Key Achievements
During his premiership, Cioloș emphasized increased transparency in public institutions, including the online publication of salaries and financing contracts. His administration also focused on streamlining bureaucratic processes, aiming to improve efficiency and accessibility for citizens and businesses.[28]
Political Support and Transition
Ahead of the 2016 parliamentary elections, Cioloș received endorsements from the National Liberals (PNL) and the Save Romania Union (USR), encouraging voters to support these parties. After these parties lost the election, Cioloș expressed his regret and was succeeded by Sorin Grindeanu in January 2017.[29][30][31]
Return to Politics
Founding New Movements
In March 2018, Cioloș announced the formation of the Romania Together Movement. Due to registration delays, he later launched the Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party (PLUS) in December 2018. In January 2019, he was elected president of PLUS. Subsequently, he established the 2020 USR-PLUS Alliance with the Save Romania Union (USR).[32][33][34][35]
Leadership and Departure
Following the merger of USR and PLUS, Cioloș was elected president of the unified party in October 2021. Later that month, he was nominated again as Prime Minister-designate but his proposed cabinet was rejected by Parliament. In February 2022, he resigned as USR president and later left the party in May 2022 to launch a new political entity, Renewing Romania's European Project (REPER).[39][40][41][42][43]
European Influence
Commissioner Role
As European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development (2010-2014), Cioloș played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policies across the European Union. His mandate included ensuring food security, promoting sustainable rural development, and addressing environmental concerns related to agriculture.[14]
Renew Europe Leadership
Cioloș's leadership of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament (2019-2021) positioned him as a significant voice for liberal and centrist politics within the EU legislative framework. This role involved coordinating policy positions and representing the group in key debates.[37]
International Advisory
In July 2015, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, appointed Cioloș as his special adviser on international food security, recognizing his expertise and contributions in the field.[23]
Personal Life
Family and Background
In 2000, Dacian Cioloș married Valérie Villemin, a French agricultural expert whom he met during his studies in France. The wedding took place in Pericei. They do not have children. His first name, Dacian, was chosen by his father, while his middle name, Julien, was inspired by the protagonist of Stendhal's novel "The Red and the Black," a book his mother read during her pregnancy.[46][47]^
Faith and Values
Cioloș identifies as a member of the Romanian Orthodox Church. He has expressed that true faith is an internal conviction rather than a public display for personal gain.^
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References
References
- (in Romanian) Profile at the Romanian Government site; accessed October 12, 2009
- (in Romanian) Dan Carp, "CioloÈ aruncat în luptÄ" ("CioloÈ Thrown into Battle"), Ziua, 13 October 2009; accessed 13 October 2009
- "Barroso II: 13 EPP Commissioners receive key portfolios", European People's Party, 27 November 2009; accessed November 28, 2009
- (in Romanian) Guvernul CÄlin Popescu-TÄriceanu, Agerpres; accessed 12 October 2009
- Mandate at the Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner's site; accessed 20 September 2010
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