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Ursula von der Leyen, re-elected President of the European Commission, has unveiled new nominations for EU Commissioner roles, setting the stage for a new five-year mandate.
The Commission’s priorities will include prosperity, security, democracy, competitiveness, the green transition, and digitalization. EC President Von der Leyen emphasized, “strengthening our technical sovereignty, security, and democracy, and building a competitive, de-carbonized, and circular economy is essential.”
Among the nominees is Olivér Várhelyi, the current Hungarian Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, who is proposed to oversee the new portfolio on public health, cancer, and disease prevention.
Mr. Várhelyi has previously managed Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy for five years, and Ursula von der Leyen highlighted his new role, stating
he will be central in “building a common European Union public health strategy.”
Key roles in the new Commission include Teresa Ribera from Spain, who is nominated for promoting a clean, fair transition and overseeing competition policy. Finland’s Henna Virkkunen is proposed for the role of executive vice-president for technological sovereignty, security, and democracy, with a focus on “strengthening the foundations of our democracy.” Wopke Hoekstra from the Netherlands is set to handle climate and net zero emissions, with additional responsibilities in taxation and climate diplomacy.
The European Parliament will review and vote on these nominations, which will determine the final lineup of the new College of Commissioners.
Von der Leyen underscored the need for the new team to enhance “EU cohesion and develop a new industrial policy,” reflecting the Commission’s commitment to addressing key challenges and shaping Europe’s future. The appointment process will proceed following parliamentary approval, marking a significant step in the EU’s ongoing evolution.
Olivér Várhelyi. Photo: The European Council
Olivér Várhelyi (b. 1972), by profession legal expert and diplomat, has held significant EU roles. He served as Hungary’s Ambassador to the EU and was Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, where he focused on EU relations with neighboring countries. Mr. Várhelyi has also worked as an advisor in the Hungarian Foreign Ministry and held positions at the EU Council.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay