On Friday 4 September, the Irish government proposed a male and female candidate for the post of European Commissioner to replace Phil Hogan, who has resigned as Commissioner for Trade (see EUROPE 12546/1): the Vice-Chair of the European Parliament, Mairead McGuinness, and the former EIB Vice-Chair, Andrew McDowell.
In a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, the Irish Government is of the opinion that both candidates are “of the highest calibre” and possess the necessary competence, independence and European commitment required to serve in the role to which they aspire.
It is now up to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to choose the future member of the college of Commissioners. The spokesperson for the European institution regularly reminds us that Mrs von der Leyen remains very committed to ensuring parity within her team.
This approach would give an advantage to Mrs McGuinness, whose profile is more political than that of Mr McDowell.
When asked about the time needed for Mrs von der Leyen to make her choice, the Commission's spokesperson, Eric Mamer, said that a balance had to be struck between a thorough assessment of the applications and the importance of speedily completing the appointment procedure.
Once appointed, the candidate Commissioner will have to submit his/her financial interests to the scrutiny of the European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs and then to a hearing before the relevant parliamentary committee.
On the allocation of portfolios, which is the responsibility of Mrs von der Leyen, the Irish Government believes that both candidates have demonstrated that they have the experience, skills and capacity to serve and make a contribution in the “most demanding” roles.
Should the Foreign Trade portfolio not go to one of the two candidates, a reshuffle of the college will need to take place. Several names have been put forward, including Didier Reynders and Valdis Dombrovskis, who has been acting in an interim measure since Mr Hogan's departure. The EPP family is not willing to give up the Trade portfolio. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)