When the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, wanted to save the Iran nuclear deal, he sent Helga Schmid to chair the conversation on his behalf. The German diplomat led the work on the deal on Iran under previous High Representatives for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and Federica Mogherini. She’s made an impressive career for herself in a male-dominated field. If Ursula von der Leyen is serious about her “geopolitical Commission,” Schmid’s influence will only continue to grow.
Check full list of Women who shape Brussels in 2020.
Illustration by Wesley Allsbrook for POLITICO