Jul 23. () –
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has publicly called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to retain Dutchman Wopke Hoekstra as EU Commissioner for the new term of office.
“With regard to the composition of the new Commission, the Dutch government would like to propose to retain Wopke Hoekstra as Commissioner for the 2024-2029 term,” Schoof said in a letter to Von der Leyen and shared by him on his social networks.
The Dutch Prime Minister has stressed his “full confidence” in Hoekstra, who he has valued for his “experience, knowledge and relevant skills” to carry out the position “successfully and independently”, as well as his “contribution to European cooperation”.
Last October, the European Parliament confirmed the appointment of Hoekstra as Climate Action Commissioner for the remainder of the legislature, replacing fellow Dutchman Frans Timmermans, who left the post due to his candidacy for the Dutch parliamentary elections.
Following the European Parliament’s approval of Von der Leyen’s renewal as head of the Community Executive, a period has now opened for each Member State to present its candidates to the German for a seat in the College of Commissioners, where there will be one representative for each EU country.
Once von der Leyen has decided on the composition of her team and the distribution of portfolios, the appointed commissioners will undergo an examination in the corresponding European parliamentary committees, which will assess the suitability and competence of each one.
This process will begin in the autumn and the European Parliament will vote on the composition of the College of Commissioners in October, which may approve or reject the whole but not modify individual candidates. Once the process is complete and according to the planned timeframe, the new European Commission will begin its mandate in November.
Add Comment