Javier Solana is a Spanish physicist and Socialist politician.
Background
Solana was born in Madrid, Spain. He comes from a well-known Spanish family, being the grand nephew of Spanish League of Nations disarmament chief, diplomat, writer and European integrationist Salvador de Madariaga (Javier's grandfather, Rogelio de Madariaga y Castro and Salvador de Madariaga were cousins).
Education
While a student in 1963 he suffered sanctions imposed by the authorities for having organised an opposition forum at the so-called Week of University Renovation.
Career
After serving in the Spanish government under Felipe González (1982–1995) and Secretary General of NATO (1995–1999), he was appointed the European Union's High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union and Secretary-General of the Western European Union and held these posts from October 1999 until December 2009.
Membership
Club of Rome (Spanish chapt.)
Connections
Solana is married to Concepción Giménez, and they have two adult children, Diego and Vega.
He has received the Manfred Wörner Medal from the German Defence Ministry.
He has received the Manfred Wörner Medal from the German Defence Ministry.
Vision for Europe Award
2003
2003
Statesman of the Year Award
In 2003 he received the 'Statesman of the Year Award' from the EastWest Institute, a Transatlantic think tank that organizes an annual Security Conference in Brussels.
In 2003 he received the 'Statesman of the Year Award' from the EastWest Institute, a Transatlantic think tank that organizes an annual Security Conference in Brussels.
Carnegie-Wateler peace prize
2003
2003
Charlemagne Prize
He has been awarded the Charlemagne Prize for 2007 for his distinguished services on behalf of European unification.
He has been awarded the Charlemagne Prize for 2007 for his distinguished services on behalf of European unification.