18/05/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 18 May, the European Parliament approved the appointment of Petra Hielkema as the new head of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) by 643 votes to 6 with 47 abstentions. Currently serving as Director of Insurance Supervision at the central bank of the Netherlands [De Nederlandsche Bank], Ms Hielkema was selected by the EU Council as its preferred candidate (see EUROPE 12713/16)—over Paolo Cadoni, head of division in the Bank of England’s Prudential Policy Directorate, and Christian Thimann, the CEO of Athora Germany (see EUROPE 12684/30). The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) had already approved her nomination by a large majority last week (see EUROPE 12718/24). The Council of the EU now has to adopt an implementing decision on Ms Hielkema’s appointment. (MF)