Kadri Simson (née Must, born 22 January 1977) is an Estonian politician, formerly from the Centre Party, who served as the European Commissioner for Energy in the von der Leyen Commission between 2019 and 2024.
Early life Simson graduated from Tartu 10th Middle School in 1995, Tartu University in 2000, (majoring in history). She holds an MA in Political Science from University College London (2003). Simson was a board member of the NGO Institute of Recent Studies.
Political career Simson was a member of the Estonian Centre Party from 1995 to 2024. She worked as an advisor to the Tallinn City Government in 1999, later Tallinn Mayor between 2001 and 2002. Simson served as chairwoman of the Pärnumaa region from 2011 until 2021.
In 2015, Simson failed to beat party leader Edgar Savisaar for his role after an almost uninterrupted 25-year tenure. Savisaar won the vote of 541 delegates, to Simson's 486, from a total of 1,051.
In December 2024, Simson announced that she would be leaving the Centre Party.ERR News. Former EU commissioner leaves Center Party. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
Other activities Paris Peace Forum, Member of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals (since 2025)Decision of the European Commission on Former Commissioner Kadri Simson’s envisaged post term of office professional activity as member of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals of the Paris Peace Forum European Commission, statement of 17 June 2025.
Personal life Between 6 June 2008 and February 2015, Simson was married to journalist Priit Simson. Afterwards, she began a relationship with former chairman of HKScan Estonia, Teet Soorm.
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