Emma Bonino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emma Bonino
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Emma Bonino in 2006
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 28 April 2013 – 22 February 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Mario Monti (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Federica Mogherini |
| Minister of European Affairs and International Trade | |
| In office 17 May 2006 – 7 May 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Giorgio La Malfa |
| Succeeded by | Andrea Ronchi |
| European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection | |
| In office 25 January 1995 – 16 September 1999 |
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| President | Jacques Santer Manuel Marín (Acting) |
| Preceded by | Christiane Scrivener |
| Succeeded by | David Byrne |
| Member of the Senate of the Republic | |
| In office 23 March 2018 – 12 October 2022 |
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| Constituency | Rome |
| In office 29 April 2008 – 14 March 2013 |
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| Constituency | Piedmont |
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| In office 28 April 2006 – 28 April 2008 |
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| Constituency | Veneto |
| In office 10 July 1990 – 25 January 1995 |
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| Constituency | Naples (1990–1992) Rome (1992–1994) Padua (1994–1995) |
| In office 5 December 1986 – 2 July 1987 |
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| Constituency | Naples |
| In office 13 June 1979 – 10 July 1983 |
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| Constituency | Rome |
| In office 5 July 1976 – 20 December 1978 |
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| Constituency | Rome |
| Member of the European Parliament | |
| In office 20 July 1999 – 27 April 2006 |
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| Constituency | North-West Italy (1999–2004) North-East Italy (2004–2006) |
| In office 17 July 1979 – 12 April 1988 |
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| Constituency | North-West Italy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 March 1948 Bra, Italy |
| Died | 11 September 2026 (aged 78) Rome, Italy |
| Political party | Italian Radicals (2001–2017) More Europe (2017–2026) |
| Education | Bocconi University |
Emma Bonino (9 March 1948 – 11 September 2026) was an Italian politician, diplomat, and international human rights leader. She served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Italy and worked for many years in the European Union. Over her long career, she represented Italian citizens as a member of parliament and as a senator.
Bonino was well known for defending human rights around the world. She led major campaigns to protect the environment, improve international justice, and help people during global emergencies. She was also a prominent member of the Italian Radicals and later founded the political party More Europe.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Piedmont
Emma Bonino was born on 9 March 1948 in the town of Bra, located in northern Italy. She grew up in a farming family and learned the values of hard work and community early in life.
University Studies
Bonino moved to Milan to attend Bocconi University, one of Italy's most famous universities. She studied modern foreign languages and literature, graduating in 1972 after writing her thesis on international civil rights.
Political Career in Italy
Entering Parliament
Bonino entered national politics during the 1970s. She joined the Radical Party, a group focused on democratic reforms and personal freedoms.
In 1976, voters elected her to the Italian Chamber of Deputies for the first time. She went on to win election to the chamber six different times over several decades.
Key Government Roles
Bonino held several top positions in the Italian government:
- Minister of International Trade (2006–2008): She worked to expand Italy's economic ties with countries around the world.
- Vice President of the Senate (2008–2013): She helped lead debates and manage legislative work in the upper house of parliament.
- Minister of Foreign Affairs (2013–2014): As Italy's top diplomat, she represented the country in global peace talks and international meetings.
International Work and Human Rights
European Commissioner
From 1995 to 1999, Bonino served as a European Commissioner. In this role, she managed consumer protection, fisheries policies, and international humanitarian aid through the European Community Humanitarian Office.
During international crises, she traveled to conflict zones to make sure food, medicine, and shelter reached civilians safely.
Global Advocacy and Diplomacy
Bonino worked closely with the United Nations and international groups on several major projects:
- International Criminal Court: She helped establish the court to ensure fair trials for international law violations.
- No Peace Without Justice: She helped found this organization to promote democracy and protect human rights across the globe.
- Global Education: She served on the Council of Patrons for the Asian University for Women, supporting higher education for young women from across Asia.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her life, Bonino received many awards for her public service:
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2015)
- North-South Prize (1999) for supporting democracy and international cooperation
- Recognized by the BBC as one of the world's 100 most inspiring women (2013)
Electoral History
| Election | House | Constituency | Party | Votes | Result | |
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| 1976 | Chamber of Deputies | Rome | PR | 12,855 |  Elected |
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| 1979 | Chamber of Deputies | Rome | PR | 33,595 | Elected |
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| 1979 | European Parliament | North-West Italy | PR | 51,445 | Elected |
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| 1984 | European Parliament | North-West Italy | PR | 28,319 | Elected |
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| 1992 | Chamber of Deputies | Rome | LP | 3,470 | Elected |
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| 1994 | Chamber of Deputies | Padua | LP | 36,881 | Elected |
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| 1999 | European Parliament | North-West Italy | LB | 421,770 | Elected |
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| 2004 | European Parliament | North-East Italy | LB | 50,281 | Elected |
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| 2006 | Chamber of Deputies | Veneto 2 | RnP | – | Elected |
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| 2008 | Senate of the Republic | Piedmont | RI | – | Elected |
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| 2018 | Senate of the Republic | Rome | +E | 112,425 | Elected |
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Images for kids
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Ribbon of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
See also
In Spanish: Emma Bonino para niños
