Steffen Kampeter
My perspective on Europe is rooted in the belief that we must actively engage and inspire young individuals to grasp both the opportunities and limitations inherent in European politics. Europe, with its diverse cultures and shared values, represents a dynamic arena where collaboration and understanding are paramount.
I am motivated to participate in this mentoring project because I see it as an avenue to contribute to the development of future leaders who can navigate the complexities of European politics, promoting unity, innovation, and effective governance. Guiding young minds to appreciate the multifaceted aspects of European policymaking while instilling a sense of responsibility and commitment is a personal mission I am eager to pursue within this mentoring program.
Overview
Steffen Kampeter, member of the German Bundestag from 1990 until 2016 and former Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Finance, currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA). BDA is the leading organization dealing with social policy on behalf of the entire German private sector. It represents the interests of small, medium-sized and large companies in all sectors and all issues linked to social policy and collective negotiations, labour legislation, labour market policy and education. BDA works at national, European and international levels for the interests of one million companies which employ around 30,5 million workers, and which are networked with BDA through voluntary membership of employer federations.
Approach
Kampeter is interested in Europe’s evolving dynamics, particularly the relationship between national and European politics, which will shape the debates in the coming years. He aims to explore questions about what Europe can and should do, the appropriate level of subsidiarity, and the potential role of intergovernmental approaches. His goal as a mentor is to raise awareness and foster discussions on these crucial topics.
Career History
In 1983, Kampeter commenced his studies in economics at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität in Münster, earning his Diplom-Volkswirt degree in 1988. He served as a Member of the German Bundestag from 1990 to 2016, assuming the role of spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Budget Committee from 1999 onwards. Between 2005 and 2009, he held the position of Budget Policy Spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, followed by his tenure as Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance from 2009 to 2015. Since 2016, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA).
Personal
The intersection of enhancing competitiveness while promoting social cohesion is of particular interest to Kampeter. Among other things, Kampeter serves as the chairman of a sports club and has been an active member of a political party for over four decades, demonstrating his commitment to both community and societal engagement.