Poul Nielson (born 11 April 1943) is a Danish politician, member of the Social Democrats. He was Energy Minister in the Cabinet of Anker Jørgensen IV and V from 26 October 1979 to 10 September 1982, and Minister for Development Cooperation in the Cabinet of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen II, III, and IV from 27 September 1994 to 10 July 1999. On 17 September 1999 he became European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid when the Prodi Commission took office.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by New office |
Energy Minister 26 October 1979 – 10 September 1982 |
Succeeded by Knud Enggaard |
| Preceded by Helle Degn |
Minister for Development Cooperation 27 September 1994 – 10 July 1999 |
Succeeded by Jan Trøjborg |
| Preceded by New office |
European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid 17 September 1999 – 22 November 2004 (together with Joe Borg from 1 May 2004) |
Succeeded by Louis Michel |
| Preceded by Ritt Bjerregaard |
Danish European Commissioner 23 January 1995 – 17 September 1999 |
Succeeded by Mariann Fischer Boel |