Radan Kanev MEP

Radan Kanev is a prominent Bulgarian politician, lawyer, and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB) party. He is a member of the European People’s Party (EPP) group, reflecting his alignment with center-right political values. Kanev has gained recognition for his active participation in various key committees and his efforts to strengthen Bulgaria’s role within the European Union.

Current Role and Key Achievements

  • Current Position:
    • Serving as an MEP since 2019, re-elected in 2024.
    • Member of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety.
    • Member of the Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee.
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Successfully retained his seat in the 2024 elections despite being initially ranked fifth on the PP-DB coalition list.
    • Played an active role in legislative discussions on public health, environmental policies, and international partnerships.

Political Party Affiliation

  • National Party: Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB), part of the Democratic Bulgaria coalition.
  • European Party Group: European People’s Party (EPP), reflecting his commitment to pro-European values and center-right policies.

Key Professional Highlights

Political Experience

  • Member of the European Parliament:
    • First elected in 2019, reflecting public trust in his leadership and vision.
    • Re-elected in 2024, demonstrating his continued relevance and influence in Bulgarian and European politics.
  • Former Leadership Roles:
    • Leader of the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) from 2013 to 2017, guiding the party through a pivotal period of political development.
    • Member of Bulgaria’s National Assembly (2014–2017), where he contributed to national policymaking and legislative activities.

Legal Expertise

  • Professional Background:
    • A qualified lawyer with an impressive 16 years of uninterrupted legal practice.
    • Renowned for his legal acumen and ability to address complex legal and policy matters, particularly within the European legislative framework.

Current Political Roles

Active Membership in Parliamentary Committees

  • Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety:
    • Focuses on environmental sustainability, public health policies, and food safety standards within the EU.
    • Actively contributes to shaping EU-wide regulations and strategies in these critical areas.
  • Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee:
    • Strengthens the EU’s partnership and diplomatic relations with Armenia.
    • Advocates for collaborative efforts in governance, trade, and regional stability.

Advocacy and Legislative Focus

  • Dedicated to advancing initiatives that align with European values, particularly in areas such as:
    • Environmental protection and sustainable development.
    • Public health reforms and pandemic response mechanisms.
    • Strengthening Bulgaria’s influence and integration within the EU framework.

Personal Background

Birthdate and Birthplace

Radan Milenov Kanev was born on 30 September 1975 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Although his family has roots in Varna, he was born and raised in Bulgaria’s capital city.

Education and Qualifications

  • Kanev graduated from the Lycée Français de Sofia (French High School), demonstrating an early exposure to international culture and languages.
  • He earned a Master’s Degree in Law from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” one of Bulgaria’s most prestigious institutions for higher education.

Professional Career Before Entering Politics

Legal Career
  • Radan Kanev started his professional career as a self-employed lawyer in Sofia in 2002.
  • Over time, he became a partner and managing partner at several law firms, honing his expertise in various legal domains.
  • Kanev also served as a trademark representative before both the Bulgarian Patent Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), showcasing his specialization in intellectual property law.
Civic Engagement
  • Kanev actively participated in civic society long before entering formal politics. His contributions include:
    • Serving as the Chairman of the Bulgarian Youth Red Cross youth organization.
    • Working as a volunteer and trainer in health promotion and social assistance programs.
    • Advocating for civil rights, environmental conservation, and urban environment protection.
Contributions and Focus
  • Through his work as a lawyer and a civil activist, Kanev built a reputation for being deeply involved in issues that impact society, laying a solid foundation for his later political endeavors.
  • His involvement in civil society was marked by a focus on rights advocacy and improving urban living conditions, which resonated with broader public concerns.

Family Details

Marriage and Family Life

Radan Kanev, a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP), is married and has one child. He tied the knot in 2006, marking the beginning of his family life. The couple welcomed their son in 2009.

Limited Public Information

Beyond these essential milestones, Radan Kanev is known to maintain a private personal life. He has not disclosed further details about his family, such as the names of his spouse and child, their occupations, or other personal background information. This approach aligns with his preference to keep his private life separate from his public role as a political figure.

Family in Context

  • Spouse: Married since 2006.
  • Child: One son, born in 2009.
  • Privacy: Consistently avoids publicizing details about his family.

By balancing his professional and personal responsibilities, Radan Kanev exemplifies a focus on maintaining the integrity of both spheres. While the details shared about his family are limited, this privacy reflects his approach to safeguarding his personal life.

Political Career

Entry into Politics

Radan Kanev began his political journey in 2004 as one of the founding members of the Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB) party. His early political involvement grew steadily, and by 2007, he was elected to the Sofia board of DSB and became an integral member of the party’s National Election Headquarters.

Key Milestones in Political Journey

  • 2009: Elected as a member of the DSB National Board, marking his first step into leadership within the party.
  • 2011: Became the Vice President of DSB, showcasing his growing influence within the organization.
  • 2013: On June 23, Kanev was elected as the party leader, succeeding Ivan Kostov. This pivotal moment marked a new chapter in his leadership career.
  • 2014: Elected to the National Assembly of Bulgaria and became the co-chair of the Reformist Bloc parliamentary group, highlighting his ability to unify and lead coalitions.
  • 2017: Following DSB’s failure to meet the 4% threshold required for parliamentary representation, Kanev resigned as party leader, showcasing accountability in his political decisions.
  • 2019: Successfully elected to the European Parliament as part of the Democratic Bulgaria coalition, signifying his transition to the European political stage.
  • 2024: Re-elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), further solidifying his long-term commitment to European governance.

Key Political Roles

  • Party Leadership: Kanev held the highest position in the DSB as its party leader between 2013 and 2017.
  • National Assembly: Served as a member and co-chair of the Reformist Bloc parliamentary group during his tenure in Bulgaria’s National Assembly.
  • European Parliament: Currently serving as an MEP under the European People’s Party (EPP) group, representing Democratic Bulgaria on critical issues at the European level.

Committee Memberships

Kanev’s work in the European Parliament reflects his dedication to several crucial policy areas:

  • Committee on the Environment, Climate, and Food Safety: Addressing pressing environmental challenges and sustainability issues.
  • Committee on Social Policy and Employment: Advocating for fair labor practices and equitable social policies across the EU.
  • Committee on Petitions: Acting as a liaison between EU citizens and Parliament, ensuring that public concerns are heard and addressed.

Delegation Roles

Kanev represents the European Parliament in important international partnerships:

  • Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee: Focusing on enhancing relations between the EU and Armenia.
  • Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly: Promoting cooperation between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries.

Advocacy and Political Stances

Throughout his career, Kanev has been vocal about improving Bulgaria’s governance and justice system. He has been a prominent critic of the Borisov-Peevski model of governance, emphasizing the need for:

  • Greater transparency in government operations.
  • Comprehensive judicial reforms to address corruption and inefficiency.

Radan Kanev’s political career reflects a blend of national and European-level advocacy, marked by a strong commitment to reforms, democratic values, and constructive criticism aimed at fostering better governance in Bulgaria and beyond.

Net Worth 2025

Overview

As of 2025, no publicly available information precisely details the net worth of Radan Kanev. A seasoned politician and lawyer, Kanev’s professional career spans significant roles in politics and law, which are likely his primary sources of income. However, the absence of confirmed financial records or official statements makes it difficult to determine his exact net worth.

Professional Income Sources

Radan Kanev’s professional income stems from a combination of his work as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and his earlier legal and political roles. Key income-generating activities include:

1. Current Role as Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
  • Serving as an MEP since 2019, Kanev earns a standard salary as outlined by the European Union regulations for MEPs.
  • The salary for an MEP is fixed, with additional allowances for travel, accommodation, and office expenses.
  • Kanev’s responsibilities as an MEP focus on policymaking and representing the interests of his constituents at the EU level.
2. Previous Legal Practice
  • Before entering the European Parliament, Kanev had a 16-year-long career as a lawyer.
  • His legal practice likely contributed significantly to his income during this period, particularly if he specialized in high-demand areas of law.
3. Leadership in Political Parties
  • Between 2013 and 2017, Kanev served as the leader of the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB), a center-right political party in Bulgaria.
  • While political leadership roles are not typically highly paid, this position added to his professional portfolio and may have included some remuneration.

Lifestyle and Financial Transparency

  • Radan Kanev is known for a stable and consistent career in politics and law, which suggests financial stability.
  • However, there is no evidence of Kanev making public disclosures about his personal wealth or assets, which makes speculation on his net worth difficult and unreliable.

Current Role in the European Parliament

Committee Memberships

Radan Kanev currently holds significant roles in multiple committees within the European Parliament, showcasing his commitment to addressing a range of pressing issues:

  • Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Food Safety (ENVI):
    • Serves as a Full Member.
    • Focuses on key environmental policies, including climate change mitigation, food safety, and sustainable development.
    • Actively involved in drafting legislation and participating in debates related to the European Green Deal.
  • Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE):
    • Acts as a Substitute Member.
    • Contributes to discussions on industrial competitiveness, energy security, and research-driven innovation.
    • Supports initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal aimed at strengthening European technological and industrial autonomy.
  • Committee on Public Health:
    • Participates as a Substitute Member.
    • Engages in debates concerning public health policies, focusing on preventive measures such as promoting smoke-free environments.

Delegation Roles

Kanev’s work extends beyond the European Union, as evidenced by his active participation in various delegations:

  • Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee:
    • Facilitates dialogue and partnership-building between the EU and Armenia.
  • Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly:
    • Strengthens political and economic ties between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries.
  • Delegation to the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee:
    • Focuses on fostering cooperation with Azerbaijan in areas such as trade and energy.
  • Delegation to the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee:
    • Promotes EU-Georgia relations, particularly in aligning policies with EU standards.

Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus

Environmental Advocacy

  • Strong proponent of climate change action and decarbonization policies.
  • Advocates for the adoption of the Clean Industrial Deal, which seeks to ensure sustainable industrial practices.
  • Supports strategic European autonomy in energy production and distribution.

Support for Ukraine and European Unity

  • Vocal supporter of European solidarity with Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
  • Advocates for strengthening European unity to counter Euroscepticism and external threats.

Industrial Competitiveness and Digitalization

  • Works toward enhancing the competitiveness of European industries through innovation and digital transformation.
  • Supports technology-neutral policies to integrate modern energy systems seamlessly.

Public Health Initiatives

  • Actively involved in discussions promoting smoke-free environments to improve public health.
  • Focuses on creating frameworks that address environmental hazards with public health implications.

Legislative Initiatives or Contributions

Written Questions and Advocacy

  • Submitted written inquiries highlighting environmental hazards, such as the ecological risks posed by Russia’s shadow fleet.

Plenary Contributions

  • Contributed to debates on key social issues, including LGBTQI rights and anti-discrimination policies.
  • Advocated for stricter public health measures during discussions on smoke-free environments.

Positions on Key Policies

Climate Change

  • Strong advocate for ambitious climate change policies and decarbonization efforts.
  • Believes in balancing environmental sustainability with industrial growth through strategic initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal.

Trade and Strategic Autonomy

  • Supports measures that enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy in critical industries and energy security.

Digitalization

  • Promotes technology-neutral policies that encourage innovation without bias toward specific technological solutions.

Human Rights

  • Actively defends human rights, particularly LGBTQI rights, through participation in plenary debates and legislative activities.

Euroscepticism

  • Skeptical of claims that Euroscepticism represents a widespread issue, arguing that European legislation positively impacts daily life.
  • Advocates for a centrist approach in European politics to maintain balance and unity.

By aligning his roles and efforts with Europe’s strategic goals, Radan Kanev continues to make significant contributions in areas such as environmental policy, industrial innovation, and public health.

Official Contact Information

Radan Kanev, a member of the European Parliament, can be reached through his official European Parliament contact details:

Email:

[email protected]

Brussels Office Contact:

Phone: +32 2 284 5326

Fax: +32 2 284 9326

Strasbourg Office Contact:

Phone: +33 3 881 75326

Fax: +33 3 881 79326

Office Address

Radan Kanev’s official office addresses within the European Parliament are as follows:

Bruxelles Office:
Parlement européen, Bât. ALTIERO SPINELLI 08F266, 60, rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60,
B-1047 Bruxelles/Brussel

Social Media Profiles

While a comprehensive list of Radan Kanev’s social media profiles is unavailable, here are the verified profiles:

LinkedIn:
Radan Kanev on LinkedIn

 

Role Committee Start End
Substitute of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy 2024/07/19
Member of Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety 2025/01/20
Substitute of Committee on Public Health 2025/01/23
Role Committee Start End
Member of Committee on Employment and Social Affairs 2019/07/02 2022/01/19
Member of Committee on Petitions 2019/07/02 2022/01/19
Substitute of Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety 2019/07/02 2022/01/19
Member of Committee on Employment and Social Affairs 2022/01/20 2024/07/15
Member of Committee on Petitions 2022/01/20 2024/07/15
Substitute of Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety 2022/01/20 2024/07/15
Substitute of Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future 2022/04/05 2023/07/18
Substitute of Subcommittee on Public Health 2023/03/15 2024/07/15
Member of Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety 2024/07/19 2025/01/19
Substitute of Subcommittee on Public Health 2024/07/19 2025/01/19

Delegations

Role Delegation Start End
Member of Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee 2024/09/19
Member of Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly 2024/09/19
Role Delegation Start End
Member of Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee 2019/07/02 2024/07/15
Substitute of Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee 2019/07/02 2024/07/15
Substitute of Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly 2019/07/02 2024/07/15
Count Dossier Reference Title
266 2021/0223(COD) Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure
256 2022/0051(COD) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
217 2021/0426(COD) Energy performance of buildings
150 2021/0104(COD) Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
126 2020/0006(COD) Just Transition Fund
82 2021/0414(COD) Improving working conditions of persons working through digital labour platforms
75 2022/0345(COD) Urban wastewater treatment. Recast
72 2019/2975(RSP) Resolution on the European Disability Strategy post2020
69 2020/0300(COD) Union environment action programme (2021-2030)
66 2020/0320(COD) European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
66 2023/2111(INI) Geothermal energy
63 2020/2273(INI) EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives
58 2021/0050(COD) Equal pay for equal work between men and women (pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms)
56 2021/0191(COD) European green bonds
55 2021/0197(COD) CO2 emission standards for cars and vans
51 2021/2179(INI) The EU Action plan for the social economy
50 2020/0310(COD) Adequate minimum wages in the European Union
50 2021/0214(COD) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
45 2019/2157(INI) The European Forest Strategy: The Way Forward
40 2019/2188(INI) Reducing inequalities with a special focus on work poverty
39 2020/2260(INI) A Farm-to-Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system
39 2021/0211(COD) Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System
34 2023/0081(COD) Framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology products manufacturing ecosystem (Net Zero Industry Act)
29 2023/2075(INI) Non-communicable diseases
28 2019/2156(INI) The EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests
28 2021/0206(COD) Social Climate Fund
27 2021/2013(INI) A Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe
26 2020/2006(INL) An EU legal framework to halt and reverse EU-driven global deforestation
26 2020/2243(INI) The European Education Area: a shared holistic approach
26 2021/2005(INI) Democracy at work: A European framework for employees’ participation rights and the revision of the European Works Council Directive
25 2020/0104(COD) Recovery and Resilience Facility
25 2022/0165(NLE) Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States
23 2019/2712(RSP) Resolution on the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain (COP 25)
22 2021/2248(INI) Report on the 2021 Commission Report on North Macedonia
21 2022/0277(COD) European Media Freedom Act
19 2022/0104(COD) Industrial Emissions Directive
19 2023/0042(COD) Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles
18 2020/0108(COD) InvestEU Programme
18 2020/2140(DEC) 2019 discharge: General budget of the EU – European Commission
18 2020/2216(INI) Shaping the digital future of Europe: removing barriers to the functioning of the digital single market and improving the use of AI for European consumers
18 2024/2718(RSP) UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
17 2020/2244(INI) European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021
17 2019/2186(INI) Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers—New forms of employment linked to digital development
17 2020/0321(COD) European Medicines Agency
16 2021/2251(INI) Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility
13 2020/2042(INI) The impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations in developing countries
12 2020/0289(COD) Environment: access to information and justice, public participation, application of the Arhus Convention
12 2021/2186(INI) The situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2020 and 2021
11 2021/0164(COD)
10 2019/0000(INI)
10 2021/2253(INI) Towards a common European action on care
9 2020/0100(COD) Public sector loan facility under the Just Transition Mechanism
8 2024/2030(DEC) 2023 discharge: General budget of the EU—Agencies
7 2021/2166(INI) Better regulation: Joining forces to make better laws
7 2021/0420(COD) Trans-European transport network
7 2022/0432(COD) Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
7 2023/0453(COD) Common data platform on chemicals, establishing a monitoring and outlook framework for chemicals
6 2021/0227(BUD) 2022 general budget: all sections
6 2021/2180(INI) The Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law report
5 2019/2824(RSP) Resolution on the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity
5 2020/2058(INI) Sustainable Europe Investment Plan: How to finance the Green Deal
5 2021/0000(INI)
4 2019/2814(RSP) Resolution on protecting the EU’s internal market and consumer rights against the negative implications of the illegal trade in companion animals
4 2020/2071(INI) Shortage of medicines: how to address an emerging problem
4 2020/0036(COD) European Climate Law
4 2020/2131(INI) A new strategy for European SMEs
4 2020/2194(DEC) Discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union agencies for the financial year 2019: performance, financial management and control
4 2024/2019(DEC) 2023 discharge: General budget of the EU – Commission
3 2020/2070(INI) Maximising the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock
3 2020/0097(COD) Union Civil Protection Mechanism
3 2020/2150(DEC) 2019 discharge: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP)
3 2020/2155(DEC) 2019 discharge: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
3 2021/0207(COD) Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation
3 2021/0218(COD) Renewable Energy Directive
3 2022/0105(COD) Industrial Emissions Portal
3 2024/0017(COD) Screening of foreign investments in the Union
2 2020/2021(INI) Towards a more sustainable single market for business and consumers
2 2020/2209(INI) The protection of persons with disabilities through petitions: lessons learnt
2 2022/0396(COD) Packaging and packaging waste
1 2019/0070(COD) Union Civil Protection Mechanism
1 2019/2199(INI) Situation of Fundamental Rights in the European Union: Annual Report for the years 2018-2019
1 2020/2086(INI) Implementation of Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation in light of the UNCRPD