Since 2004 First Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Communication  strategy and Institutional Relations including the Lisbon Treaty. Elected to the Swedish Parliament at age 25. Later became Minister for Consumer Affairs, Women and Youth, Minister for Culture and Minister for Social Affairs. EU Environment Commissioner 1999-2004 and played a significant role in ensuring that the Kyoto Protocol saw the light of day. Also took the initiative to the chemicals legislation REACH.