Brussels, 08/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 11 July, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker will hold a hearing for Sir Julian King, who, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has appointed as the candidate to take over from the former Commissioner, Jonathan Hill. Lord Hill has been in charge of financial services but resigned on 25 June, following the referendum that led to the victory of the Brexit camp.
On Friday 8 July, the Commission announced that Juncker would be assessing this candidacy as part of an interview to evaluate the capacities of King for the post of the future British Commissioner. On Friday, however, the Commission refused to explain what portfolio the successor of Lord Hill could inherit. The Commission's examination will examine the candidate's European commitment, his skills and independence. The EP will also have to hold a hearing for the candidate and give its consent.
Sir Julian King is currently the ambassador in France and has already spent time in Brussels where he worked for the Permanent Representation. In 2014, the financial services portfolio was conferred on a British Commissioner as a means to keep the United Kingdom in the EU, a gesture that was not interpreted positively by certain NGOs and MEPs and which were concerned to see a representative of the country of the “City” take charge of these services. This “little present” did not prevent the British from voting on 23 June by 51.9% in favour of leaving the EU.
If he is appointed, Sir Julian King would be, above all, the “eyes and ears” of the British authorities, which, through him, would be able to continue to closely monitor the dossiers and activities of the Commission. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)