04/07/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 4 July, the European Parliament approved the appointment of Mariya Gabriel to the post of Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society by a large majority (517 votes to 77 and 89 abstentions). The committees on industry and research and on culture and education arranged a hearing attended by the candidate on 20 June. The Bulgarian national avoided taking any risks, going no further than to reaffirm the political line of the current 'Juncker' Commission and to pledge to answer any questions still open through dialogue with the MEPs (see EUROPE 11812). According to a Commission source, Gabriel may take up her duties next week (10 July). (SPj)