Commission’s Chief Negotiator for Article 50 negotiations (since October 2016). Mr Barnier previously held various positions, both in France and at the European level. He was minister of foreign affairs (2004–2005), minister of state for European affairs (1995–1997), and minister of the environment (1993–1995). He has also served as a European commissioner for regional policy (1999–2004) and for the internal market and services (2010–2014).