Heidi Hautala

Former Vice President of the European Parliament

Heidi Hautala is former Vice President of the European Parliament (2017-2024) She played a key role in advancing the EU agenda on Responsible Business Conduct as legislator and as founder of the EP Responsible Business Conduct working group. Through her over 30 years in politics she focused on human rights, transparency and sustainability. She started her political career by being a co-founder of the Finnish Green Party which she represented at all levels including 20 years in the European Parliament. Heidi was chosen presidential candidate of her party in 2000 and 2006.

In 2011-2013 she was the Minister for International Development and Minister for State Ownership Steering of Finland. In the early days in 1974, Heidi was co-founder of the first vegetarian restaurant in Helsinki, her home city. She has Master’s degree in Agriculture and Forestry from Helsinki University.