Dr. Ingo Friedrich is a prominent German politician (CSU) who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1979 to 2009, including a tenure as Vice-President (1999–2007). An economist by training, he currently leads the European Economic Senate and the Union of Medium-Sized Companies. A staunch advocate for the "European Way of Life," Friedrich has been honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his significant contributions to the EU.