Simson Kadri

Simson, Kadri most recently served as European Commissioner for Energy, where she led the EU’s energy transition efforts under the European Green Deal. She oversaw key initiatives such as the Fit for 55 package, a legislative package designed to reduce EU emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, through carbon pricing and cutting fossil fuel reliance. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she strengthened EU energy security and launched the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Kadri Simson previously served as Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure and was a member of the Estonian Parliament. She holds degrees in history and political science from the University of Tartu and University College London, respectively. She currently serves as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP).