Milan Zver, born on May 25, 1962, in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, is a seasoned Slovenian politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing Slovenia. He is affiliated with the Slovenian Democratic Party, which is part of the European People's Party group in the European Parliament.
Zver has served as the Vice-President of the Slovenian Democratic Party and held the position of Minister of Education and Sports from 2004 to 2008.
Zver was raised in Destrnik, a village in eastern Slovenia. He completed his higher education at the University of Ljubljana, where he studied sociology and political science, graduating in 1987.
He furthered his studies at the University of Graz, obtaining his MA in 1990. Zver earned his PhD from the University of Ljubljana in 1998 under historian Janko Prunk.
Before entering politics, Zver was involved in academia and public service. He worked as an advisor to prominent political figures in Slovenia and served on the Municipal Council of Ljubljana.
His academic tenure included teaching sociology at the University of Maribor and contributing to political analysis and historical research.
Zver's political journey began in the Slovenian National Assembly, where he was elected in 2004. He soon became the Minister of Education and Sports, focusing on improving conditions for the Romani community and representing Slovenia at international events like the 2008 Summer Olympics.
In 2009, Zver was elected to the European Parliament, where he has been active in several committees and delegations, including the Committee on Culture and Education and the Delegation for relations with South Asia. He played a significant role in naming a conference room in the European Parliament after Slovenian political figure Jože Pučnik, a project he initiated.
Zver has been influential in Slovenian and European politics, advocating for conservative values and policies. He is a signatory of the Prague Declaration on European Conscience and Communism and has been involved in various international political organizations, enhancing his profile on the European stage.
Milan Zver is married to Slovenian historian Andreja Valič Zver and has two daughters, one of whom is a model and television host. He enjoys playing amateur football and is multilingual, speaking Slovene, English, German, and Serbo-Croatian.
The European People's Party (EPP) is a significant political party at the European level that represents the center-right political spectrum. It is the largest party group in the European Parliament and includes Christian democrats, conservatives, and like-minded centrist parties from across the member states of the European Union.
The manifesto emphasizes unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, advocating for immediate aid and facilitating Ukraine's potential membership in the EU and NATO.
The EPP commits to enhancing Europe's defense capabilities, promoting cooperation within NATO, and striving towards strategic autonomy to ensure Europe can independently defend its interests.
The EPP aims to drive economic growth by fostering a competitive business environment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and promoting innovation, particularly in digital technologies and essential industries.
There is a strong focus on securing Europe’s economic interests globally through fair trade practices while achieving strategic autonomy in critical sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals.
Policies to support families, improve job security, and ensure equitable social policies are highlighted, aiming to create an inclusive society with opportunities for all.
The manifesto stresses the importance of integrating immigrants effectively into European society and vigorously protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including digital privacy.
The EPP seeks to lead in environmental protection and climate action by advocating for substantial investments in sustainable technologies and practices.
The manifesto calls for enhancing energy efficiency across Europe to reduce dependence on external energy sources and move towards a greener economy.
Upholding the rule of law, transparency, and fighting corruption are central themes, with the EPP advocating for stringent measures to ensure accountability in all European institutions.
Strengthening the mechanisms of democracy within Europe to ensure that European institutions operate transparently and reflect the will of the people.
Emphasis is placed on protecting and promoting Europe’s rich cultural heritage and identity through educational initiatives and support for the arts.
The manifesto advocates for high educational standards and opportunities for youth, aiming to equip future generations with the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges.
Addressing the complex issue of migration with dignity and solidarity, ensuring that Europe can manage migration flows humanely while securing its borders.
The EPP commits to strengthening Europe's role on the global stage, promoting values of democracy and human rights, and engaging in constructive international relations. Ideological Foundation and Core Values The EPP is rooted in Christian democratic, conservative, and liberal-conservative values.
It emphasizes the principles of individual freedom, personal and social responsibility, and the importance of European integration. The party champions the idea of a strong, united Europe that upholds the rule of law, respects human dignity, promotes economic prosperity, and ensures security for its citizens.
As a major force in European politics, the EPP has a significant influence on EU policy-making and legislation. The party's members hold key positions in various EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Council, which enables it to shape policies across a wide range of areas, from economic and environmental policy to social affairs and foreign relations.
The EPP comprises member parties from almost all EU countries and several observer parties from non-EU countries in Europe. This broad membership allows the EPP to represent a wide array of views within the center-right political spectrum, making it a pivotal player in addressing pan-European issues.
The EPP seeks to promote a stronger and more competitive European Union that is capable of facing global challenges while ensuring the prosperity and security of its citizens. It supports deeper economic and political integration among EU countries and advocates for policies that strengthen the EU’s global standing.