Hansen appointed EU agrifood commissioner amid political shifts

Christophe Hansen has been appointed as the EU agriculture and food commissioner, a role that comes amid significant challenges for farmers due to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change. At 42, he is poised to be the second-youngest member of Ursula von der Leyen's second College of Commissioners, having received backing from his government. Hansen's background in farming and his political experience in the European Parliament, particularly in environment and trade committees, position him well for this role. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to foster peace with farmers who have faced unrest over pricing and EU regulations. Hansen's diplomatic skills and understanding of agricultural issues have been recognized by various stakeholders, including NGOs and fellow politicians. His close ties to the industry and ability to manage diverse interests will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of EU agricultural policy. Despite his strong reputation, there are concerns about the extent of his influence in shaping policy, especially since the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development has been sidelined in previous terms. Hansen's responsibilities will include food security, while food safety and animal welfare will remain under the purview of Hungary's health commissioner. Ultimately, Hansen's political career may benefit from this role, but he faces the daunting task of addressing the multifaceted challenges within the agricultural sector, which has been described as a 'can of worms.' His success will depend on his ability to balance the needs of farmers with the broader EU objectives.