Ursula von der Leyen presents new European Commission lineup
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, has presented the lineup for her new commission.
The presentation comes after many EU governments snubbed von der Leyen’s request to propose male and female candidates, and a day after France’s European commissioner, Thierry Breton, dramatically resigned.
Breton, a heavyweight in Brussels, cited “questionable governance” at the EU executive and said in an open letter that the commission president had asked Paris to withdraw his name “for personal reasons that in no instance you [von der Leyen] have discussed directly with me”.
All nominees must appear for hearings before European parliament committees, before the full European parliament votes on whether to approve the entire commission.
While some nominees are expected to be received by MEPs without much controversy, others may face tough hearings.
Hungary’s nominee, Olivér Várhelyi, is not expected to win backing from MEPs.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds a press conference on the suggested structure and portfolios of the college of European Commissioners in Strasbourg, France September 17, 2024. Photograph: Johanna Geron/Reuters
Key events
Glenn Micallef, from Malta, said “it is a true privilege to be entrusted to lead EU policies and initiatives on intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport. I look forward to working with the European parliament and all stakeholders.”
It is a true privilege to be entrusted to lead #EU policies and initiatives on intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport. I look forward to working with the @Europarl_EN and all stakeholders. 1/2
Jozef Síkela, from the Czech Republic, said “the International Partnerships portfolio will allow me to focus on strengthening the EU’s economic security, diversifying our suppliers of critical raw materials, and opening new markets for European companies.”
“My goal was to secure a strong economic portfolio for the Czech Republic, and given that International Partnerships holds a significant budget and one of the largest Directorates-General within the European Commission, I am confident that I will be able to ensure its substantial impact within the future European Commission,” he said.
As a European Commissioner with the aim of contributing as much as possible to Europe’s economic development. The International Partnerships portfolio will allow me to focus on strengthening the EU’s economic security, diversifying our suppliers of critical raw materials, and…
Jessika Roswall said: “Honored to get the portfolio for environment, water resilience & a competitive circular economy, key to EU competitiveness and the shift from fossil fuels. Thank you von der Leyen ! Look forward to the intense work ahead.”
Honored to get the portfolio for environment, water resilience & a competitive circular economy, key to EU competitiveness and the shift from fossil fuels. Thank you @vonderleyen! Look forward to the intense work ahead.
Magnus Brunner, from Austria, was nominated for the role of internal affairs and migration.
‘Parliamentary scrutiny will not cut corners’, Metsola says
The European parliament president, Roberta Metsola, has said that today’s discussion with Ursula von der Leyen “paves the way for Parliament to vet candidates as efficiently as possible.”
“Parliamentary scrutiny will not cut corners,” she said.
In a press conference, Ursula von der Leyen said she managed to increase the number of women in the lineup compared to member states’ original proposals, noting that she chose to nominate women for four out of the six executive vice president roles.
Valdis Dombrovskis, from Latvia, was nominated to be commissioner for economy and productivity.
Dan Jørgensen, from Denmark, was nominated as the new commissioner for energy and housing.
Ireland’s Michael McGrath was named by von der Leyen as the next commissioner for democracy, justice and rule of law.
Jessika Roswall, from Sweden, is von der Leyen’s choice for commissioner focused on environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy.
Wopke Hoekstra, from the Netherlands, was named by von der Leyen as the next commissioner for climate, net zero and clean growth.
Andrius Kubilius, from Lithuania, is Ursula von der Leyen’s choice to be the new commissioner for defence and space.
Here is a slide, published by Ursula von der Leyen, of her commission lineup.
Ursula von der Leyen announced her new commission lineup Photograph: European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen presents new European Commission lineup
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, has presented the lineup for her new commission.
The presentation comes after many EU governments snubbed von der Leyen’s request to propose male and female candidates, and a day after France’s European commissioner, Thierry Breton, dramatically resigned.
Breton, a heavyweight in Brussels, cited “questionable governance” at the EU executive and said in an open letter that the commission president had asked Paris to withdraw his name “for personal reasons that in no instance you [von der Leyen] have discussed directly with me”.
All nominees must appear for hearings before European parliament committees, before the full European parliament votes on whether to approve the entire commission.
While some nominees are expected to be received by MEPs without much controversy, others may face tough hearings.
Hungary’s nominee, Olivér Várhelyi, is not expected to win backing from MEPs.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds a press conference on the suggested structure and portfolios of the college of European Commissioners in Strasbourg, France September 17, 2024. Photograph: Johanna Geron/Reuters
Here are the key roles announced by Ursula von der Leyen for the new European Commission:
She has named six executive vice-presidents:
Teresa Ribera (Spain): Clean, just and competitive transition
Henna Virkkunen (Finland): Tech sovereignty, security and democracy
Stéphane Séjourné (France): Prosperity and industrial strategy
Kaja Kallas (Estonia): High representative for foreign affairs
Roxana Mînzatu (Romania): People, skills and preparedness
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