The name of Franz Fischler became widely known both domestically and internationally and much respected, when he was an EU commissioner. Between 1995 and 2004, the future of European agriculture was in his hands. From 1999 he also had responsibility within the European Union for fisheries. As a committed European, he continues to devote his energies to keeping the European Union on a successful course. He speaks in favour of mutual understanding between member states and has for many years retained a clear idea of the problems and concerns facing the Union and its citizens. In his view, a key element in the success of "Project Europe" is the continuing debate over the different ways of creating a joint social and economic model for the EU.

Franz Fischler implemented his vision for modern agriculture in far-reaching reforms to European farming policies, rural development and fisheries. His greatest successes were Agenda 2000, Reform 2003 and the first reform of European fisheries policies.

 

Before assuming his role as EU commissioner, Franz Fischler was Austria's Minster of Agriculture and Forestry from 1989 to 1994. As a committed supporter of the European concept, he played an important role in Austria's successful negotiation for accession to the EU and was a key figure in preparing Austrian agriculture and forestry for entry to EU.

Franz Fischler gained experience in agriculture at an early age. When only 14, he and his grandmother and five younger brothers ran the small farm on which he grew up. After gaining his doctorate as Dr. rer. nat. oec. at the faculty for Soil Science in Vienna, in 1979, he and his wife Heidi, who he had met during his studies, returned to his roots in the Tyrol. There, he became a management assistant in the Tyrol Chamber of Agriculture, and then in 1985 became the organisation's director.

 

When the father-of-four finished his second term as EU Agriculture Commissioner, he returned to his home in Absam, near Innsbruck, and set up Franz Fischler Consult GmbH. In keeping with the guiding principles of Interaction − Advise − Educate, clients and partners of Franz Fischler Consult benefit from his knowledge, his experience and his familiarity with the Austrian and also the pan-European scene.