Education and early career: Born in the small Bavarian town of Niederhatzkofen on 14 July 1972, Weber completed his military service in Neuburg an der Donau. He then graduated in 1996 with a degree in engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Munich. After his studies, he embarked on an entrepreneurial career by founding two companies focused on environmental management and occupational safety, demonstrating an early interest in issues of sustainability and quality.

Early political career: His political involvement began in 2002, when he was elected member of the regional council of Kelheim and of the Bavarian Landtag. A year later, he took over the presidency of the Bavarian Junge Union, marking his entry into the political leadership of the CSU. In 2004, he was elected to the European Parliament, where he joined the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, laying the foundation for a career characterized by a strong commitment to civil rights.

Rise in the European People’s Party: Weber quickly became a key figure within the European People’s Party (EPP). In 2008, he succeeded Erwin Huber as chairman of the Lower Bavarian CSU, and in 2009 he was re-elected to the European Parliament, taking on the role of vice-president of the EPP. His leadership is marked by a clear vision and the ability to mediate between different positions within the party.

Candidacy for the presidency of the European Commission: In September 2018, Weber announced his candidacy for the presidency of the European Commission, supported by leading figures such as Angela Merkel. In November of the same year, he became the official candidate of the EPP, but despite his success in the 2019 European elections, his name was blocked by Emmanuel Macron. This experience highlights the complexities of European politics and the challenges of internal unity.

Political positions: Weber stands out for his support for European integration, opposing any attempt to limit the power of the Union. In 2014, he criticized British Prime Minister David Cameron’s calls to slow down integration, saying that “the European Union is based on an ever closer union of peoples.” He also spoke out in favor of a more cohesive European foreign policy, arguing for a shift from unanimous to majority voting.

His stance on immigration has been tougher, balancing a commitment to human rights with the need to maintain economic stability. He has also addressed the issue of Hungary, moving from initial support for Viktor Orbán’s government to a more critical approach, culminating in his vote to activate Article 7 against Budapest.

Initiatives and proposals: Among his initiatives, Weber has proposed the idea of ​​free Interrail tickets for young people in the EU, to promote integration and a sense of belonging to Europe. This proposal, while ambitious, has raised questions about its economic impact, but reflects his desire to unite generations through shared experiences.

Conclusions: Manfred Weber represents a prominent figure in contemporary European politics. With a strong engineering and entrepreneurial background, combined with a constant political commitment, he has been able to address the challenges of European integration with determination and vision. His career continues to influence the political dynamics of the Union, making him a key player in the European landscape.