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27 Nov, 2024

Five liberals to take office as European Commissioners

On 27 November, Members of the European Parliament approved the composition of the next mandate of the European Commission, following individual confirmation hearings held between 4-12 November. 

With five highly-qualified European Commissioners approved for five important portfolios, liberals are well represented to ensure that our values and policies are reflected at the highest levels of European diplomacy and policymaking.   

The priorities of this new Commission closely mirror what ALDE Party fought for in the European elections. Amid increased geostrategic rivalries and instabilities, the new College of 27 Commissioners will strive to ensure our priorities: security, prosperity and democracy in Europe. 

Scroll below to discover the profiles of our next liberal, centrist and democrat Commissioners. 

Kaja Kallas (Estonia) 

Following a hearing on 12 November, former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was approved as the next High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. 

Formerly Estonia’s Prime Minister between 2021-24, Kallas will strengthen and coordinate the EU’s security and defence policy to deliver a European Defence Union, with a particular emphasis on increasing military support to Ukraine to win Putin’s war of aggression. 

Moreover, she will forge a new united and assertive common foreign policy to respond to rising global threats, while also shaping a strategic approach towards the EU’s neighbours and candidate countries. 

“Victory of Ukraine is a priority for us all. We must keep on working every day, for as long as it takes, and with as much military, financial and humanitarian aid as needed. This must be underpinned by a clear path for Ukraine to join the EU. What we fight [for] here is the European security and the European principles,” said Kallas. 

Stéphane Séjourné (France) 

Renew Europe’s former President Stéphane Séjourné also received the support of MEPs as the next European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. 

Séjourné’s main goal will be to coordinate a new EU industrial strategy with more investment, innovation and a bolder use of the Single Market. He will aim to strengthen the EU’s economy and competitiveness to bridge gaps with global economic and political competitors. 

Moreover, he will be tasked with managing the twin digital and green transitions to ensure the EU meets its climate and environmental targets. 

“Séjourné demonstrated high level of competence, cooperative approach and strong commitment to strengthen and modernise the internal market [...]. He committed to work together towards deepening the internal market in order to strengthen Europe's resilience and strategic autonomy," said Sandro Gozi MEP, Renew Europe deputy coordinator for the European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection.

Marta Kos (Slovenia)

On 7 November, Marta Kos obtained the support of MEPs to become the next European Commissioner for Enlargement. 

An experienced politician and diplomat, Kos will drive the EU’s expansion in the coming critical years, supporting candidate countries such as North Macedonia, Ukraine and Moldova on their journey towards EU integration while upholding the current merit-based accession approach. 

Moreover, she will focus on a gradual integration of enlargement partners into key sectors of the EU economy by using the new tools including the Ukraine Facility, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the future Growth Plan for Moldova. 

“We need more Europe in the Western Balkans to address the geopolitical challenges related to the growing influence from third countries, bring back mutual trust and walk the talk on enlargement. With her vast experience and understanding of these dynamics, Marta Kos is the right person for the job,” said Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs and former ALDE Party co-President.

Hadja Lahbib (Belgium)

On 6 November, MEPs approved Hadja Lahbib as the next European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality. 

Lahbib will strengthen EU civil preparedness and response to an increasing number of crises ranging from climate hazards to military threats, and boost the EU’s diplomatic efforts by promoting the respect of international law and humanitarian principles. 

In addition, she will defend and uphold the rights of minorities with new Anti-Racism, LGBTIQ and Gender Equality strategies, committing to the EU’s efforts to fully implement the Istanbul Convention and protect sexual and reproductive rights. 

“I am proud and certain that Lahbib will be a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls everywhere, and that she will be an important player in making every single Commissioner pay attention to gender equality,” said Abir Al-Sahlani MEP, Renew Europe’s coordinator in the European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality. 

“Lahbib’s commitment to supporting fragile countries, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and prioritising investment in humanitarian aid and humanitarian–development nexus reflects the values we must uphold in these challenging times,” said Barry Andrews MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Development.

Michael McGrath (Ireland)

On 5 November, Michael McGrath was the first liberal to be approved as the next European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law. 

McGrath’s priority will be to make tangible progress in tackling the EU's rule of law issues, combating organised crime, expanding the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and countering foreign interference and disinformation.  

In addition, he aims to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and consumers to further develop the EU Single Market and monitor the application of the EU Charter and EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).  

“We must ensure our laws are not in the way of a thriving business environment, but instead help our companies reach their full potential. With McGrath at the College of the Commissioners, the EU can create better conditions for innovation and unlock benefits for consumers and businesses alike,” said ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP.

Pictures: European Parliament / 2024

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