EPIC Publishing Updates: The European Union Explained Chapter 3: the European Commission
.jpg)
Andreas Staab. The European Union Explained.
Institutions, Actors, Global Impact.
Indiana University Press. 2013
Update Chapter 3: The European Commission
.jpg)
With the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen the Commission is fronted - for the first time - by a female politician. We also have a German President of the Commission for the first time. The update contains information on the composition of the 2019-2024 team.
January 2020
The new Commission took office in December 2019 and for the first time is fronted by a woman: Germany’s former Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen. Notable Commission veterans include Phil Hogan (Ireland), who was given the trade portfolio, as well as Frans Timmermans (the Netherlands, European Green Deal and Climate Action), Johannes Hahn (Austria, Budget), Maroš Šefcovic (Slovakia, interinstitutional relations), Vera Jonrová (Czech Republic, Values and Transparency) and Margrethe Vestager (Denmark, Competition). The most eye-catching appointment is arguably the former Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni who is responsible for the vague sounding portfolio of ‘Economy’ which focuses mainly on Economic and Monetary Union. Given Hungary’s combative approach to migration and refugees, the decision to award Oliver Varhelyi as Commissioner for ‘Neighborhood and Enlargement’ also raised some eyebrows. For more information on the individual commissioners and their party political backgrounds please refer to https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-elections-2019/linksdossier/commissioners-assemble-the-names-in-the-game/
The European Commission 2019 – 24Name Country Role and PortfolioUrsula von der Leyen Germany Commission PresidentMargrethe Vestager * Denmark Digital Age and CompetitionThierry Breton France Internal MarketPhil Hogan Ireland TradePaolo Gentiloni Italy EconomyJanusz Wojciechowski Poland AgricultureElisa Ferreira Portugal Cohesion and Reforms Josep Borrell Spain High Representative for Foreign and Security PoliciesJohannes Hahn Austria Budget and AdministrationDidier Reynders Belgium JusticeMarya Gabriel Bulgaria Research, Innovation, Education, Culture and YouthDubravka Suica Croatia Democracy and DemographyStella Kyriakides Cyprus HealthVera Jonrová Czech Republic Values and TransparencyKadri Simson Estonia EnergyJutta Urpilainen Finland International PartnershipMargaritis Schinas Greece Promoting European Way of Life (migration, sport, culture)Oliver Varhelyi Hungary Neighbourhood and EnlargementValdis Dombrovskis* Latvia Economy that works for people and financial servicesVirginijus Sinkenvicius Lithuania Environment, Oceans and FisheriesNicholas Schmidt Luxembourg Jobs and Social RightsHelena Dalli Malta EqualityFrans Timmermans * Netherlands European Green Deal and Climate ActionAdina – Ioana Valean Romania TransportMaroš Šefcovic Slovakia Interinstitutional RelationsJanez Lenarcic Slovenia Crisis ManagementYlva Johansson Sweden Home Affairs
* Executive Vice Presidents