Following are nominees for the next European Commission. Job assignments were announced yesterday by the incoming president, Ursula von der Leyen of Germany.
Il Bioeconomista’s list focuses on commissioners more involved in the Bioeconomy.
Janusz Wojciechowski, Agriculture (Poland)
Mr Wojciechowski, from Poland, was a longtime member of European Parliament, but recently hit headlines after Der Spiegel revealed he was under investigation by the EU’s anti-fraud agency (OLAF) over a dispute involving travel expenses.
Sylvie Goulard, Internal Market (France)
Under her new appointment, the former armed forces minister of France would oversee the new Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space.
Kadri Simson, Energy (Estonia)
Ms Simson, from Estonia, was the economics affairs minister from 2016, and challenged Centre Party leader Edgar Savisaar for the top job in 2015, but ultimately failed.
Paolo Gentiloni, Economy (Italy)
The former prime minister of Italy said his new role in the Commission was “of great importance at a crucial moment for the future of the European economy”, and promised to “boost growth” in “social and environmental sustainability”.
Mariya Gabriel, Innovation and Youth (Bulgaria)
A two-time winner of the Member of European Parliament (MEP) of year award during her stint between 2009 and 2017, Mrs Gabriel, from Bulgaria, is currently the commissioner for digital economy.
Virginijus Sinkevicius, Environment and Oceans (Lithuania)
The former economy minister of Lithuania would be the youngest Commissioner at just 28 years old.
Stella Kyriakides, Health (Cyprus)
She is a medical psychologist with many years of experience in the field of social affairs, health and cancer prevention. She will lead also issues related to food.
Executive Vice President
Frans Timmermans (Netherlands)
Mr Timmermans is currently the First Vice President of the European Commission, and was a front-runner to take over the presidency before Ursula Von der Leyen was nominated earlier this year.
Climate, however, is a priority for the Dutch president-elect, who says she wants “to take bold action” and become “the world’s first climate-neutral continent”.
IL BIOECONOMISTA 