All 27 European Union member states have formalised their nominees for the next European Commission mandate, with five liberal, democrat and centrist candidates set to take up key roles as EU Commissioners. 

The group of 27 will form the College of Commissioners – the European Commission’s political leadership – fronted by President Ursula von der Leyen, who was re-elected for a second term in office in July. 

President von der Leyen will announce the Commissioners’ designated portfolios in the next weeks, and every candidate will be subject to formal approval from the European Parliament before the start their mandate in autumn. 

Scroll below to meet our liberal, centrist and democrat candidates for the European Commission. 

Belgium – Hadja Lahbib

A former journalist, TV presenter and director, Lahbib is Belgium’s current Minister for Foreign Affairs in Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s government, a position she has held for ALDE Party member Mouvement Réformateur since July 2022. 

During her time in office, she oversaw the organisation of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union, manifested Belgium’s close support to Ukraine with several visits to the war-torn territory, and called for a stronger stance on Hungary for their shortcomings on the rule of law. 

“This nomination reflects a desire for feminisation and renewal at both party and public structure level. It also marks recognition of Hadja's brilliant work in managing Belgium's presidency of the European Union,” said MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez. 

Estonia – Kaja Kallas

An outspoken critic of Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Kallas is one of the most influential leaders in European politics and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on the domestic, European and international stage. 

She became Eesti Reformierakond party leader in 2018 and was elected as the first female Prime Minister of Estonia in 2021. In June, she resigned from both roles after she was chosen by EU leaders to become the EU’s next High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. 

“The war in Europe, increasing instability in our neighbourhood and globally are the main challenges for European foreign policy. My aim will be to work on achieving EU unity, protect the EU's interests and values in the changed geopolitical context, and build global partnerships,” she said. 

France – Stéphane Séjourné

Séjourné left his role as MEP in January 2024 to become France's current Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. In the European Parliament, he led Renew Europe as its President between 2021 and 2024.

He was an adviser to France's President Emmanuel Macron during his ministerial tenure and advised him during his 2017 French presidential election campaign.

"His commitment to Europe will enable him to fully implement this sovereignty agenda," said a statement from the French Presidency.

Ireland – Michael McGrath

Representing ALDE Party member Fianna Fáil, McGrath has been a Teachta Dála (Member of the Irish Parliament) since 2007, serving as Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2020 to 2022, and as Minister of Finance between 2022 and 2024. 

In the latter role, he set up a sovereignty fund aimed at investing some of Ireland’s corporation tax windfall to ease future healthcare, pension and climate costs on Irish citizens. 

“Michael has made a huge contribution to this government and the Irish economy, both as Minister for Finance and as Minister for Public Expenditure. With his ability and experience, Michael is an excellent candidate,” said Ireland’s Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD. 

Slovenia – Marta Kos

Kos is a diplomat and politician who covered various roles in international diplomacy and politics, including as an Ambassador to Germany and Switzerland, director of the Slovenian government information office and spokesperson of the government.

In her youth, Kos was a record-holding swimming champion. She studied journalism and worked as a correspondent for various years in multiple German media outlets. From April to September 2022, she was one of the vice presidents of the Freedom Movement.

"[Kos] is an experienced professional, [...] a manager, a communication expert with several years of experience in senior management and project management in the EU field, who fulfils all the criteria required by Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union," said a press release by the Slovenian government's office.