Who is who in the new European Commission?
- Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her team of commissioners for the next five-year term in Strasbourg, France.
- Key appointments include Kaja Kallas as Executive Vice President for Foreign Affairs and Jessika Roswall as Commissioner for Environment.
- The new commission will undergo scrutiny and hearings with the European Parliament to ensure alignment with EU goals.
On Tuesday, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, introduced her team of commissioners for the upcoming five-year term in Strasbourg, France. This new commission features a significant role for Spanish Teresa Ribera, amidst a structure predominantly composed of EPP commissioners. The portfolios assigned are crucial, particularly those related to competitiveness, industry, and economic matters, reflecting the Commission's focus on these areas. Among the notable appointments is Kaja Kallas from Estonia, who will serve as the Executive Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kallas, previously the Prime Minister of Estonia, is recognized for her strong support of Ukraine and her firm stance against Russia, especially following the invasion of Ukraine. Other key figures include Jessika Roswall from Sweden, who will oversee Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Magnus Brunner from Austria, who will handle Interior and Migration. The commission also includes Apostolos Tzitzikostas from Greece, responsible for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and Ekaterina Zaharieva from Bulgaria, who will focus on Start-Ups, Research, and Innovation. The new commission is set to undergo scrutiny and hearings with the European Parliament, which will assess the qualifications and plans of the appointed commissioners. This process is crucial for ensuring that the new leadership aligns with the EU's strategic goals and addresses pressing challenges facing the continent.