Inquiry on Commission Membership: Are the newly appointed individuals adequately qualified to advance and support the movement towards electrified transportation?
The European Commission has announced its new lineup for the next five years, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and electromobility. Ursula Von der Leyen was re-elected as the President of the European Commission on 17th September, leading this ambitious team.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Governor of Central Macedonia, has been appointed to lead the Transport and Tourism portfolio. Tzitzikostas will be responsible for managing transport policies, with a key focus on integrating electric mobility solutions into public and private transport systems. He will drive the development of necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles and contribute to the European Union's climate goals.
Teresa Ribera, Third Vice-President and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge in Spain, will assume the role of Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Clean Transition. Ribera, a fundamental advocate for electromobility in Europe, has been a key figure in the fight against climate change and has driven regulations such as the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law. Under her leadership, crucial decarbonization initiatives like the National Energy and Climate Plan have been implemented.
Jozef Síkela, the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, is set to become the Commissioner for International Partnerships. Síkela has become a central figure in the push for sustainable transportation, with a strong focus on the promotion of electromobility.
Maroš Šefčovič, a seasoned Slovak diplomat and prominent figure in EU policymaking, has been appointed to a dual role as Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency. Šefčovič played a vital part in securing a one-off extension until 2026 for the current rules regarding EU-UK rules of origin for electric vehicles and batteries. He also announced 3 billion euros in financial support to boost Europe's sustainable battery production.
Besides these key appointments, the College of Commissioners for her new five-year term will consist of 26 commissioners. Each commissioner has been assigned a specific portfolio, such as Energy and Housing, Research and Innovation, Internal Affairs and Migration, Budget and Public Administration, and Agriculture and Food.
The new European Commission chosen by Ursula Von der Leyen features five more Executive Vice-Presidents: Henna Virkkunen, Stéphane Sejourné, Kaja Kallas, Roxana Mînzatu, and Raffaele Fitto. Their roles will contribute to the integration of sustainability and clean mobility in various aspects of EU policymaking.
This new European Commission is poised to make significant strides in promoting electromobility and sustainable transportation, with a focus on fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, securing necessary financial support, and implementing effective policies to combat climate change.
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