BRUSSELS: European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday announced her support to the Dutch foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra to fill a vacant post of the European Commission on climate.
The commission president said she personally took the interview of Hoekstra and would now suggest that EU member states and the European Parliament officially approve his candidature.
Hoekstra expressed strong desire for the post and his commitment to the European Union. Von der Leyen in a statement said that the Dutch foreign minister has relevant professional experience for this post.
Dutch govt nominates Hoekstra for the commission
Last week the Dutch government nominated Hoekstra for the commission, after his predecessor Frans Timmermans resigned to return to politics.
Timmermans had been an active executive vice president of the EU the commission and supervised the the European Green Deal.
Hoekstra would serve in the Commission until at least May next year if approved by MEPs and member state leaders.
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He may not face an easy confirmation process as during his previous role at the finance ministry he offended many southern European states.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen defending his candidature said governmental experience of Hoekstra will be a strong asset in particular for Europe’s climate diplomacy in the run-up to COP28 and for climate finance.
She added that Hoekstra during the interview expressed his full commitment towards an ambitious climate policy and would keep a social balance in all necessary joint efforts of the commission.
