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Federica Mogherini
Federica Mogherini Official.jpg
Mogherini in 2014
Rector of the College of Europe
Assumed office
1 September 2020
Preceded by Jörg Monar
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
In office
1 November 2014 – 30 November 2019
Preceded by Catherine Ashton
Succeeded by Josep Borrell
Vice-President of the European Commission
In office
1 November 2014 – 30 November 2019
President Jean-Claude Juncker
Succeeded by Josep Borrell
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
22 February 2014 – 31 October 2014
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
Preceded by Emma Bonino
Succeeded by Paolo Gentiloni
Member of the Chamber of Deputies
In office
13 May 2008 – 30 October 2014
Constituency Lazio 1
Personal details
Born
Federica Maria Mogherini

(1973-06-16) 16 June 1973 (age 52)
Rome, Italy
Political party PD (since 2007)
DS (1998–2007)
PDS (1991–1998)
PCI (1988–1991)
Other political
affiliations
PES (since 2014)
S&D (since 2014)
Spouse
Matteo Rebesani
(m. 2007; div. 2017)
Children 2
Parent
  • Flavio Mogherini (father)
Education Sapienza University of Rome
Signature

Federica Mogherini (born 16 June 1973) is an Italian politician. She held important roles in both the Italian government and the European Union. From 2014 to 2019, she was the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. This means she was the main diplomat for the European Union.

Before that, she was Italy's Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2014. She also served as a member of the Italian Parliament from 2008 to 2014. Since 2020, she has been the rector of the College of Europe. This is a special university for people studying European topics.

Early Life and Education

Federica Mogherini was born in Rome, Italy, on June 16, 1973. Her father, Flavio Mogherini, was a film director.

She went to the Sapienza University of Rome. There, she studied political science. She focused on political philosophy and wrote her final paper about Islam and politics. She did some of her studies in France through the Erasmus programme.

Political Career

Getting Started in Politics

Federica Mogherini started her political journey early. From 1988, she was part of the Italian Communist Youth Federation. Later, she joined other left-wing political groups.

In 2001, she became a member of the National Council of the Democrats of the Left (DS). She worked in their Foreign Affairs Section. Here, she handled relationships with international groups and parties. She also helped shape policies on Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Middle East peace process. She kept in touch with other socialist parties in Europe and worldwide.

When the Italian Democratic Party (PD) was formed in 2007, she was chosen for its executive committee.

Member of Parliament (2008–2014)

In 2008, Mogherini was elected to Italy's Chamber of Deputies. This is like being a member of parliament. She represented the area of Veneto.

During her time in parliament, she worked on the Defence Committee. She was also part of Italy's groups that worked with the Council of Europe and the Western European Union. In 2013, she became the head of the Italian group for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Federica Mogherini 2014
Mogherini in 2014

In 2013, the new leader of the Democratic Party, Matteo Renzi, asked her to join his team. She was in charge of European relations. Around this time, she supported the idea of having a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. This group wants to make the United Nations more democratic.

Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs (2014)

In 2014, Federica Mogherini became Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs. She was only the third woman to hold this important job.

One of her first tasks was to meet the families of two Italian marines held in India. Her ministry also helped free Mariam Ibrahim, a Sudanese woman, who was allowed to fly to Italy.

In July 2014, she supported Israel's right to defend itself during a conflict. She said that rocket attacks on Israel must stop.

European Union High Representative (2014–2019)

Secretary Kerry and EU High Representative Mogherini Pose for a Photo Before Their Meeting in New York City (21825001666)
Mogherini with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in 2015

In 2014, Mogherini was considered for a big job in the European Union. This was the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Some countries worried she was too soft on Russia. However, on August 30, 2014, she was officially appointed. She started her new role on November 1, 2014.

Her job was to lead the EU's foreign policy. She worked with other EU leaders on trade, development, aid, and migration.

Participants of the ASEAN Regional Forum Retreat (43788736902)
Mogherini with other foreign ministers at the ASEAN Regional Forum Retreat in Singapore on 4 August 2018

One of her first goals was to help Russia and Ukraine talk to each other. In 2015, she was praised for her role in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This was an international agreement about Iran's nuclear program. She helped announce the deal to the world.

Візит Зеленського до інституцій ЄС і НАТО у Брюсселі, 2019, 2
Mogherini with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 5 June 2019
Belgique - Bruxelles - Schuman - Berlaymont - 01
The headquarters of the European Commission, where Mogherini was Vice-President from 2014 to 2019.

EU Global Strategy

In 2016, the European Union adopted a new plan called the European Union Global Strategy. Federica Mogherini helped create this plan. It replaced an older strategy from 2003.

Visit to India

In April 2017, Mogherini visited India for the first time as an EU representative. She talked about important topics like climate change and fighting terrorism.

Iran Nuclear Deal Talks

In October 2017, Mogherini said she would try to convince the United States to keep supporting the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). This was after then-President Donald Trump decided not to confirm the deal.

Later Career

In 2019, the United Nations Secretary-General appointed Mogherini to a special group. This group works on issues related to people who have been forced to leave their homes.

In April 2020, she decided to apply for the job of rector of the College of Europe. She became the rector on September 1, 2020.

Political Views

Negotiations about Iranian Nuclear Program - Foreign Ministers and other Officials of P5+1 Iran and EU in Lausanne
Federica Mogherini with foreign ministers during negotiations for the Comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme in Lausanne.

Relations with North Africa

In 2017, Mogherini caused some discussion about trade agreements between Morocco and the EU. She said the deals would not be affected by a court ruling. This ruling said trade deals only covered products from within Morocco's recognized borders, not from Western Sahara.

Relations with Iran

Mogherini has challenged U.S. sanctions on Iran. She said the EU encourages businesses to work with Iran. She believes this is important for the EU's security.

Relations with the Middle East

Mogherini wanted the EU to help restart peace talks between Israel and Palestine. She visited the region soon after starting her EU job. She worked with the United Nations, the United States, and Russia to restart peace efforts.

She also helped lead the final talks on Iran's nuclear program. This led to an agreement in 2015. US Secretary of State John Kerry praised her for her work.

Zarif Mogherini meet in Tehran 2016 (1)
Mogherini with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, 16 April 2016

Mogherini was against the military action led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen. She said that military action is not the solution. She also disagreed with President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

In 2018, she criticized Turkey's military actions in Syria. She said that international efforts should aim to reduce fighting, not increase it.

Relations with Russia

In 2015, Mogherini suggested that the EU might improve relations with Russia. This included possibly easing some economic sanctions. However, some countries like the UK and Poland disagreed.

In 2017, Mogherini visited Russia and met with Sergei Lavrov. They discussed the situation in Ukraine and other topics. Mogherini said she supported policies that aimed for "cooperation rather than confrontation."

Relations with China

In 2018, Mogherini spoke about human rights issues in China. She raised concerns about the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang.

Relations with the United States

Secretary Pompeo Chats With Secretary Perry and E.U. Representative Mogherini (28498334597)
Mogherini with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, 12 July 2018

Mogherini has said she admires the United States. After Donald Trump became US President, Mogherini criticized him for getting involved in European politics. She said that Europeans expect America not to interfere.

In 2018, Mogherini praised the meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. She called it a "crucial and necessary step" for getting rid of nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula.

Relations with Central Asia

Mogherini wanted a stronger partnership between the European Union and Central Asia. In 2019, she presented a new EU strategy for Central Asia. She received an award from Kazakhstan for her work in building friendly relations.

Islam in Europe

Federica Mogherini has stated that Islam is part of Europe's history and future. In a speech in 2015, she said that Islam belongs in Europe. She added that religion can play a role in politics, whether for good or bad. What matters is if the process is democratic.

Other Activities

Federica Mogherini is involved in many other groups and organizations:

  • Africa Europe Foundation (AEF)
  • Friends of Europe
  • International Crisis Group (ICG)
  • Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)
  • Generation Unlimited
  • German Marshall Fund
  • European Leadership Network (ELN)
  • Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
  • Munich Security Conference

Recognition

Federica Mogherini has received several awards and honors:

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Federica Mogherini para niños

  • List of current foreign ministers
  • List of foreign ministers in 2017
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