On Tuesday 16 May, President Juncker announced his intention to allocate the Digital Economy and Society portfolio to Mariya Gabriel, the candidate for Commissioner from Bulgaria (see EUROPE 11795).
President Juncker interviewed Mariya Gabriel, the candidate proposed to replace Kristalina Georgieva, who now works at the World Bank. He confirmed “the competencies of Mariya Gabriel required under Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) to become candidate for Commissioner” and announced his intention to allocate the Digital Economy and Society portfolio to her.
The Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society will support the implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy (see EUROPE 11785). A Mission Letter was sent to Mariya Gabriel detailing her main tasks and responsibilities.
Next steps. The new Commissioner of Bulgarian nationality will be appointed by the Council of the EU by common accord with the President of the Commission after consultation of the European Parliament (Article 246, subparagraph 2 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The Interinstitutional Framework Agreement foresees that the President of the Commission “seriously considers” the results of the consultation of the European Parliament before giving his accord to the decision of the Council to appoint the new Commissioner.
From the moment the Council formally consults the European Parliament, Mariya Gabriel will be Commissioner-Designate. She will then have the right to draw on the relevant Commission services to prepare for her exchange of views with the European Parliament. Prior to her appointment by the Council, by common accord with the President of the Commission, she will not be taking part in College meetings. President Juncker temporarily allocated the digital economy and society portfolio to Vice President Andrus Ansip.
On 10 May last, the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Mr Borissov, informed Mr Juncker of his wish to propose Mariya Gabriel as a member of the Commission. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)