Paul Rübig

Paul Rübig (born 6 May 1953 in Wels) is an Austrian politician and Member of the European Parliament for the Austrian People's Party. He became a Member of the European Parliament on 25 January 1996, and was re-elected in 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2009. Hence, he is the longest-serving MEP from Austria. On 25 June 2013, Rübig was elected already for the second time in a European-wide vote as MEP of the Year for his outstanding commitment in the field of research and innovation.

Background

Born in 1953, Rübig attended the polytechnic institute for farm machinery design in Steyr, graduating in 1972. After his military service, he studied business administration, marketing and industrial engineering at the University of Linz (1972–78). He completed his studies there with a doctorate at the Institute for Auditing, Trusteeship and Accountancy in 1984. At the same time, he worked as a lifeguard, glider and skiing instructor.

He started his business career already in 1972, working in the family forging company with various general management appointments until 1996. During the course of his business career he founded companies in France, Germany and the United Kingdom.