As the nomination deadline for the new European Commission members approaches on August 30th (this Friday), a total of 24 candidates have been nominated, but three countries – Belgium, Bulgaria, and Italy – have not yet announced their selections.
Ursula von der Leyen, the candidate for the President of the European Commission, has completed her summer holiday in Germany and is now working on finalizing the list of commission members. Besides von der Leyen herself, all candidates need approval from the European Parliament to officially assume office.
Here is an introduction to the 24 candidates for the EU Commission members from different countries, based on the compilation by the European edition of Politico:
Candidate: Magnus Brunner
Current Position: Austrian Finance Minister
Brunner, 52, hails from an entrepreneurial family in the western region of Austria bordering Germany’s business-intensive Bavaria and Switzerland. He has been serving as Austria’s Finance Minister since December 2021 and is described as a “skilled tennis player.”
Among the nominees, Dubravka Šuica, the current European Commissioner for Democracy and Population Affairs, recently mentioned in a social media post that she has been nominated for another five-year term and expressed gratitude for the nomination. She has experience as a former member of the European Parliament, mayor of Dubrovnik, and a German teacher.
The nomination of Dan Jørgensen, who currently serves as the Minister for Development Cooperation and Climate Policy, was expected as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle announced by Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen. Jørgensen has a background as a Social Democrat and has held various political positions in Denmark.
Kaja Kallas, who recently resigned as Prime Minister of Estonia, is now nominated to take on the responsibility of EU Foreign Affairs. Henna Virkkunen, a member of the European Parliament from the Finnish People’s Party, known for her interest in industrial issues and participation in extreme marathons, is also among the candidates.
Thierry Breton, the current Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, has been officially nominated by French President Macron. He has experience leading major French telecommunications and IT companies.
Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission, is up for re-election and has received praise for her leadership during turbulent times in the EU. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, and Olivér Várhelyi, the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, are also among the nominees.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, a former Finance Minister with extensive financial expertise, is considered a top candidate for economic roles in the new EU Commission. Meanwhile, Teresa Ribera, the Spanish Deputy Prime Minister, and ecological transition minister, known for her anti-nuclear stance, has also been nominated.
These are just some of the 24 candidates vying for positions within the European Commission, showcasing the diverse talents and experiences brought together to shape the future of the EU.