Helmut KOHL was a German statesman who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998. He was the longest-serving Chancellor since Otto von Bismarck, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern German history. KOHL was a key figure in the reunification of Germany and is credited with helping to bring about the end of the Cold War. He also played a major role in the European Union's expansion and the introduction of the euro.