Teresa Ribera appointed to lead climate and competition in EU Commission

Teresa Ribera, the Minister for Ecological Transition in Spain, has been appointed as the executive vice-president for Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition, as well as the head of Competition in the European Commission. This announcement was made by Ursula von der Leyen during a press conference in Strasbourg. Ribera's role will focus on guiding Europe towards its climate goals while ensuring a competitive market environment. She expressed her commitment to improving European competitiveness by considering both people and environmental limits. Ribera acknowledged the significant legacy left by her predecessor, Margrethe Vestager, who held the Competition portfolio for ten years. She emphasized the importance of creating a functioning internal market that avoids power concentration, which could negatively impact industries and consumers. The Spanish government views Ribera's appointment as a historic achievement, marking the highest level of influence Spain has ever had in Brussels. Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Spanish Government, praised Ribera's leadership and determination, stating that her new role is a source of pride for Spain and a significant success for the country. Ribera's appointment is seen as a strategic move by von der Leyen, who trusts her to manage key policies for the structural transformation of the European economy. Ribera's responsibilities will include regulating mergers, state aid, and ensuring fair competition in the market. Her role is crucial for maintaining a balance between innovation and competition, which is essential for the competitiveness of European companies in the global market.