Andrey Kovatchev is a well-established Bulgarian politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP), representing the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party and the European People’s Party (EPP). He has played a significant role in European politics, especially in the context of Bulgaria’s integration within the European Union and the broader European political landscape.
Kovatchev has been consistently re-elected as an MEP since his first term in 2009. His commitment to European integration, foreign affairs, and support for the Western Balkans’ European aspirations has made him a key figure within the European Parliament.
Current Role and Key Achievements
Kovatchev’s political career is marked by multiple important roles and responsibilities:
- Quaestor of the European Parliament: As a Quaestor, he is part of the Parliament’s Bureau, which manages internal administrative matters and ensures the smooth operation of the Parliament.
- Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs: Kovatchev contributes to shaping the EU’s foreign policy, focusing on key global issues, including diplomatic relations, trade, and conflict resolution.
- Active Role in Delegations: He participates in several high-level parliamentary delegations, such as the EU-North Macedonia and EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committees. These delegations aim to foster closer ties between the European Union and its neighboring countries.
Political Affiliation and Party
- GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria): Kovatchev represents GERB, a center-right political party in Bulgaria, which aligns with the broader European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament.
- European People’s Party (EPP): As a member of EPP, Kovatchev supports policies that promote European unity, economic growth, and democratic values within the EU framework.
Additional Key Achievements
- Chairman of the Union of European Federalists in Bulgaria: Kovatchev has been at the forefront of advocating for a federal Europe, contributing to the development of the European Union’s political structure.
- Vice-President of the Union of European Federalists (March 2011 – November 2018): He held this position, which involved promoting the ideals of European federalism and strengthening the union’s political cohesion.
- Advocate for Opening Communist Archives: A strong proponent of transparency and accountability, Kovatchev has called for the opening of communist-era archives in former Eastern Bloc countries, aiming for justice and historical reconciliation.
- Support for Western Balkans’ European Integration: Kovatchev has been a vocal advocate for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, believing that their accession would strengthen both the EU and regional stability.
- Member of the Working Group for Reconciliation of European Histories: Kovatchev actively contributes to efforts aimed at addressing the diverse historical narratives across Europe, fostering a shared European identity while respecting different national histories.
Broader Political Engagement
- Federalist Views: Kovatchev is known for his federalist views, believing in the expansion of European political space through initiatives like pan-European lists for European Parliament elections.
- Focus on Disinformation: He has taken steps to address the growing issue of disinformation, participating in various initiatives that aim to combat fake news and promote accurate information across the EU.
- European Dementia Pledge: Demonstrating his broad political engagement, Kovatchev signed the European Dementia Pledge, showing his commitment to addressing health challenges that affect millions of Europeans.
Personal Background
Birthdate and Birthplace:
- Andrey Kovatchev was born on 13 December 1967 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Education and Qualifications:
- Kovatchev’s academic journey began at Saarland University in Germany, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology between 1990 and 1995.
- He pursued further education and achieved a PhD in Biology (Dr. rer. nat.) in 1998.
Professional Career Before Politics:
Before transitioning into politics, Kovatchev built a diverse career in the private sector:
- 1995-1998: Worked as a University Assistant at Saarland University, Germany.
- 1998-1999: Held the position of Commercial Director at Alfa Laval Agri.
- 2002-2004: Served as Commercial Manager for John Deere International.
- 2004-2009: Worked as the Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe for Elsevier B.V..
Family Details
Unfortunately, the available sources do not provide detailed information regarding Andrey Kovatchev’s family background, marital status, or specifics about his spouse or children. While his professional and educational career is well-documented, personal family details are not readily available in public records or the search results.
To offer a more complete overview of his family, further research would be required, potentially including direct interviews or access to more personal biographical data not found in current sources. For those interested in gaining insights into his family life, exploring additional resources or seeking direct interviews with Andrey Kovatchev may be necessary.
Political Career
Andrey Kovatchev’s political journey began in 2007 when he entered the political arena as a prominent member of Bulgaria’s Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party.
Early Political Beginnings
- 2007: Kovatchev became the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Policy and European Affairs and the Vice-International Secretary of the GERB party. His involvement in both domestic and international politics marked the start of a distinguished political career.
Political Milestones
- 2009: Kovatchev was first elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) under the GERB party ticket.
- 2009–2014: He served as the Head of the Bulgarian Delegation in the European People’s Party (EPP) Group, further cementing his influence within European political spheres.
- January 2012: Kovatchev was elected as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), demonstrating his growing influence in shaping European foreign policy.
- March 2011 – November 2018: He was also the Vice-President of the Union of European Federalists, a position that aligned with his advocacy for greater political integration within Europe.
Key Roles and Committee Memberships
Throughout his political career, Kovatchev has held several key roles and served on various prestigious committees within the European Parliament.
- Quaestor of the European Parliament (2024): He was elected to this position, which involves overseeing the administrative and financial aspects of the European Parliament.
- Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs: Kovatchev plays an active role in shaping foreign policies of the European Union.
- Member of the Delegation to EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee: He is involved in fostering stronger EU-North Macedonia relations.
- Member of the Delegation to EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee: Kovatchev works to advance the dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Türkiye.
- Substitute Member in Various Committees:
- Committee on Budgetary Control: Ensuring proper financial oversight and accountability.
- Subcommittee on Human Rights: Working on issues related to human rights globally.
- Committee on International Trade: Contributing to policies that govern international trade agreements.
Notable Political Achievements
- Re-elections to the European Parliament: Kovatchev has been re-elected to the European Parliament in four consecutive terms: 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. His ability to secure re-election highlights his sustained popularity and political influence.
- Advocate for Pan-European Lists and European Federalism: He is a strong advocate for pan-European lists and federal European political integration, promoting the idea of a more united and integrated Europe.
- Proposal to Merge European Council and Commission Presidents: Kovatchev has proposed that the European Council President and the European Commission President positions should be merged and directly elected by citizens of the EU. This initiative reflects his push for more democratic legitimacy and efficiency in European governance.
Net Worth 2025
Net Worth in 2025
Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding Andrey Kovatchev’s net worth for 2025. The search results provided extensive details on his political career, committee memberships, and professional background, but they do not include specific data on his personal wealth or financial status.
Sources for Estimating Net Worth
To obtain an accurate estimation of Andrey Kovatchev’s net worth, the following resources might be considered:
- Financial Disclosure Documents: Public officials, including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), are typically required to disclose their financial information. These documents may provide insights into his assets, income, and liabilities.
- Personal Financial Records: Any public declarations made by Andrey Kovatchev himself could also be a source of information regarding his financial standing.
- Specialized Financial Reporting Sources: Websites and publications that focus on the financial profiles of public figures may also offer estimates or detailed breakdowns of an individual’s net worth.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Current Positions
Andrey Kovatchev holds the following key roles in the European Parliament:
- Quaestor of the European Parliament (elected July 2024): As Quaestor, Kovatchev is responsible for the management of administrative and financial matters within the Parliament, ensuring smooth operations and transparency.
- Member of the European Parliament’s Bureau: The Bureau is a body responsible for the Parliament’s organization and the allocation of tasks.
- Member of the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats): As a member of the largest political group in the European Parliament, Kovatchev plays a significant role in shaping policies and advocating for center-right positions.
- Representing Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB): Kovatchev represents GERB, Bulgaria’s center-right party, in the European Parliament, contributing to the broader European political discourse.
Committee Memberships
Kovatchev is involved in several committees and delegations, each focusing on critical aspects of European policy and international relations:
- Committee on Foreign Affairs: This committee deals with the EU’s external relations and security, and Kovatchev is actively involved in shaping policies that influence the EU’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence: Kovatchev works on security issues, defense strategies, and EU defense policy, focusing on the security and defense of Europe.
- Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee: In this role, Kovatchev collaborates with North Macedonian counterparts to foster political dialogue and strengthen EU integration processes.
- Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee: Kovatchev engages with Türkiye’s representatives in discussions on EU-Türkiye relations, which include topics on trade, security, and political alignment.
Substitute Memberships
- Committee on Budgetary Control: As a substitute member of this committee, Kovatchev has the opportunity to scrutinize the EU’s budgetary processes and ensure financial accountability within the European Parliament.
- Delegation for Relations with Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Kovatchev is involved in enhancing diplomatic relations and trade ties between the EU and Southeast Asia, focusing on economic cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Key Policy Focus Areas
Kovatchev is known for advocating and taking active stances on a variety of issues affecting both the European Union and its member states.
- European Integration: He is a strong advocate for the European integration of the Western Balkans, believing that these countries should be incorporated into the European Union to enhance stability and prosperity in the region.
- Federalism: Kovatchev supports the idea of pan-European lists for European Parliament elections, as well as deeper political integration within the EU, seeking to create a more unified and cohesive European political system.
- Historical Transparency: He actively calls for the opening of communist-era archives to ensure that history is accurately recorded and that future generations can learn from the past.
- Human Rights: Kovatchev is an advocate for minority rights and historical reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical injustices to foster peace and inclusivity.
Notable Policy Positions
Kovatchev has expressed his views on several key policy areas, advocating for changes that he believes will strengthen the EU and improve its functioning.
- Proposed merging the positions of European Council and Commission Presidents: Kovatchev has suggested that merging these two high-level positions could streamline decision-making processes within the EU, reducing institutional fragmentation.
- Supports direct citizen election of EU leadership: He advocates for a more direct democratic process, where citizens across Europe can directly elect the leadership of the European Union, enhancing political legitimacy and accountability.
- Advocates for visa-free regimes in Western Balkans: Kovatchev has pushed for the introduction of visa-free travel between the EU and Western Balkans, believing that such measures would promote greater integration and cooperation.
- Active in promoting European values and democratic principles: He consistently works to uphold the core values of the European Union, such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, both within the EU and in its external relations.
- Supports initiatives on dementia research and healthcare policy: Kovatchev is a proponent of healthcare advancements, particularly in the field of dementia research, and supports policies aimed at improving public health and healthcare systems across Europe.
Legislative Contributions
Kovatchev has made significant contributions to the legislative processes within the European Parliament, advocating for key issues and policies that affect both the EU and its external relations.
- Authored amendments in EP resolution on North Macedonia’s progress report: He contributed to shaping the European Parliament’s position on North Macedonia’s progress towards EU integration, particularly in areas of governance and reforms.
- Highlighted preservation of cultural heritage: Kovatchev has been an advocate for preserving Europe’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding historical sites and traditions for future generations.
- Advocates for objective historical understanding in international relations: He pushes for the promotion of a balanced and objective understanding of history, particularly in the context of EU foreign policy and relations with non-EU countries.
- Supports transparency in post-communist transition processes: Kovatchev advocates for greater transparency in the post-communist transitions of Eastern European countries, seeking to ensure that these processes are managed fairly and openly.