Ekaterina Zaharieva facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ekaterina Zaharieva
Екатерина Захариева
Official portrait, 2024
European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
Incumbent
Assumed office 1 December 2024
President	Ursula von der Leyen
Preceded by	Iliana Ivanova
Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria
In office 4 May 2017 – 12 May 2021
Prime Minister	Boyko Borisov
Preceded by	Stefan Yanev
Succeeded by	Atanas Pekanov
In office 6 August 2014 – 7 November 2014
Prime Minister	Georgi Bliznashki
Preceded by	Daniela Bobeva
Succeeded by	Meglena Kuneva
In office 13 March 2013 – 29 May 2013
Prime Minister	Marin Raykov
Preceded by	Tsvetan Tsvetanov
Succeeded by	Tsvetlin Yovchev
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 4 May 2017 – 12 May 2021
Prime Minister	Boyko Borisov
Preceded by	Radi Naidenov
Succeeded by	Svetlan Stoev
Minister of Justice
In office 18 December 2015 – 27 January 2017
Prime Minister	Boyko Borisov
Preceded by	Hristo Ivanov
Succeeded by	Mariya Pavlova
Minister of Regional Development and Public Works
In office 6 August 2014 – 7 November 2014
Prime Minister	Georgi Bliznashki
Preceded by	Desislava Terzieva
Succeeded by	Lilyana Pavlova
In office 13 March 2013 – 29 May 2013
Prime Minister	Marin Raykov
Preceded by	Lilyana Pavlova
Succeeded by	Desislava Terzieva
Parliamentary offices Member of the National Assembly In office 15 April 2021 – 19 September 2024 Constituency 13th MMC - Pazardzhik
Personal details
Born	Ekaterina Spasova Gecheva (1975-08-08) 8 August 1975 (age 49) Pazardzhik, PR Bulgaria
Political party	GERB
Other political affiliations	European People’s Party
Spouse	Angel Zahariev ​ (m. 2006)​
Education	Plovdiv University
Occupation	Politician lawyer

Ekaterina Spasova Gecheva-Zaharieva (born on August 8, 1975) is a well-known Bulgarian politician. She currently serves as the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation. Before this important role, she held several key positions in the Bulgarian government. She was the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria and the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2021. She also served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Regional Development.

Early Life and Education

Ekaterina Zaharieva was born in the city of Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, in 1975. She was a bright student and learned to speak German very well at her local college. After that, she went to the University of Plovdiv. There, she studied law and earned her degree. She then continued her studies to get a master's degree in law.

Career in Law and Government

Ekaterina Zaharieva started her career as a lawyer. She worked in this field until 2003. After that, she began working for the government. She became a legal advisor for the Ministry of Environment and Water. In 2007, she was promoted to Director of Legal, Administrative and Regulatory Services.

Entering Politics

In 2009, Ekaterina Zaharieva officially entered the world of politics. She became the Deputy Minister of Regional Development. Her boss at the time was Minister Rosen Plevneliev. When Mr. Plevneliev became the President of Bulgaria, he chose her for a very important role. From March to May 2013, she served as one of the Deputy Prime Ministers. She worked with Marin Raykov, who was the interim Prime Minister at that time.

Key Ministerial Roles

In 2013, she also served as the Minister of Regional Development. Later, from December 18, 2015, to January 27, 2017, she was the Minister of Justice. This role involves overseeing the country's legal system. On May 4, 2017, she took on another major responsibility: she became the Foreign Minister of Bulgaria. As Foreign Minister, she represented Bulgaria in its relationships with other countries around the world.

Ekaterina Zaharieva meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in Washington, D.C., on November 5, 2018.

Ekaterina Zaharieva with President of Israel Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem, November 12, 2020.

Becoming a European Commissioner

In August 2024, the Bulgarian Government nominated Ekaterina Zaharieva to become a new commissioner for the European Union. She was nominated alongside another candidate, Julian Popov. Bulgaria was the only country that nominated two people, as requested by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.

Ekaterina Zaharieva was chosen by President von der Leyen for the role of Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation. This means she helps lead efforts in Europe to support new businesses, scientific research, and new ideas. On November 27, 2024, the European Parliament approved the new group of commissioners. The new Commission officially started its five-year term on December 1, 2024.

Images for kids

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  Ekaterina Zaharieva meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in Washington, D.C., on November 5, 2018.

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  Ekaterina Zaharieva with President of Israel Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem, November 12, 2020.