Dr. Ingo Friedrich is a highly influential German politician (CSU) and a committed European. From 1979 to 2009, he significantly shaped EU policy as a Member of the European Parliament, serving as its Vice-President from 1999 to 2007. A doctor of economics, he currently serves as President of the European Economic Senate and Executive President of the Union of Medium-Sized Companies. Friedrich is a staunch advocate for the "European Way of Life" and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.