It’s nonetheless not clear who Belgium will put ahead as a candidate for European Commissioner. The 5 political events that wish to type a brand new authorities collectively met on Thursday to debate the nomination, however a call has nonetheless not been made.
As a result of the European Parliament elections in Belgium coincided with the federal (nationwide) elections and the regional elections, the nomination of the Belgian European Commissioner is determined by the events negotiating a brand new federal authorities. These presently embrace the Francophone events MR and Les Engagés and the Flemish events N-VA, Vooruit, and CD&V.
For none of those 5 events is the place of European Commissioner a precedence, however as a result of Fee President Ursula von der Leyen needs a candidate by the tip of August, they met about it on Thursday. There isn’t a white smoke but, nevertheless it appears probably that the MR will probably be allowed to designate the candidate.
The Francophone liberals had Didier Reynders because the Commissioner for the previous 5 years, and he nonetheless appears essentially the most logical selection. Together with his expertise, he might declare a big portfolio and he has additionally explicitly provided himself for a brand new mandate.
Nevertheless, Von der Leyen would love extra feminine candidates for her Fee, and a member state that appoints a girl may additionally get a extra vital portfolio. Subsequently, the title of Overseas Minister Hadja Lahbib can be circulating. Who it’ll in the end be – Reynders, Lahbib, or nonetheless one other candidate – ought to develop into recognized within the coming days or hours. (29/08/2024)
