Pedro Solbes

Pedro Solbes is an economist, and currently the Second Vice-President of Spain. During his term as European Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Solbes was responsible for the initial introduction of the Euro. He was a presidential candidate in the 2008 Spanish Elections, but did not win.

Fast Facts

1. Born: August 31, 1942 in Pinoso, Spain
2. Political party: Independent
3. Close ties with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE)
4. Currently the Second Vice-President of Spain and Minister of Economic Affairs
5. Assumed office: 2004
6. Previous office: European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs
7. Holds degrees in Political Science, Law, and European Economics

Key Dates

1. 1968: Becomes civil servant in the Ministry of Foreign Trade
2. 1985: Appointed Secretary of State for Relations with the European Commission
3. 1993: Appointed Minister of Economics and Finance
4. September, 1999: Appointed European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs
5. January 1, 2002: Solbes leads the introduction of the Euro in 12 countries
6. April, 2004: Becomes Second Vice-President and Minister of Economy and Finance

Pushing the Euro

Although the Euro existed as an accounting entity as early as 1999, it was not introduced as physical currency until January 1, 2002. As European Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Solbes was responsible for organizing and administrating the first introduction of the Euro in 12 countries.

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