Luxembourg Chooses Christophe Hansen for EU Commission

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden announced on Thursday that Christophe Hansen has been proposed as the country's candidate for the next European Commission, specifically for the agriculture portfolio. Frieden shared his discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media, highlighting Hansen's extensive experience in EU affairs as a key factor in his nomination. Hansen expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating he felt "honoured and humbled." Hansen, a member of the European People's Party (EPP), has been a long-standing choice for this role, although the Socialist Party had hoped for the continuation of outgoing commissioner Nicolas Schmit. Following his election to the European Parliament in June, Hansen has been linked not only to agriculture but also to trade. He has personal ties to the agricultural sector, describing himself as a "farmer’s son and brother," which he believes aligns him well with the responsibilities of the EU farm chief position. In 2023, Hansen took a seat in the Luxembourgish parliament, where he served on the agriculture committee. His previous experience includes leading negotiations on the EU’s deforestation rules as a member of the International Trade Committee. Hansen's nomination adds to a growing list of candidates for the Commission, with 16 men nominated compared to just six women, raising concerns about gender balance in the upcoming leadership team. Paula Andrés contributed to this report.