Magnus Brunner appointed as EU Commissioner for Competitiveness

Vienna – Austria’s Finance Minister Magnus Brunner, representing the conservative ÖVP party, has expressed his commitment to enhancing Europe’s competitiveness if appointed as an EU Commissioner. In an interview with the public broadcaster ORF, Brunner emphasized his dedication, stating, “I will put all my energy into this,” and highlighted the importance of various economic sectors, including finance and energy, in achieving this goal. Brunner, who has yet to receive information regarding his specific portfolio, noted the need to wait for nominations from other countries. He expressed confidence in EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s ability to make a sound decision based on his competencies and experiences, particularly in the energy sector. He refrained from indicating any preferences for a future role, underscoring the importance of remaining open to various possibilities. As he prepares for the potential transition to the EU, Brunner intends to continue his duties as Finance Minister until he receives confirmation from both the Main Committee of the Austrian National Council and the European Parliament. He addressed criticism regarding his nomination amid Austria’s budget deficit, attributing the challenges faced over the past three years to unprecedented crises. Brunner also acknowledged the contributions of EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler, who was also in the running for the Commissioner position, calling her “an excellent politician.” He affirmed that the decision for his nomination was made collectively by the government, and he is determined to make the most of this opportunity.