31/08/23 (Agence Europe) – Diederik Samsom, head of cabinet to the former European Commission Vice-President in charge of the ‘Green Deal’, Frans Timmermans, could work in the same role for Timmermans’ potential successor, Commissioner-designate Wopke Hoekstra (see EUROPE 13238/2). Asked about this information, which was relayed by various Dutch media, the Commission’s deputy spokeswoman, Dana Spinant, told the press on 31 August: “I have also heard that Mr Samsom will be staying on, so there will be continuity in that sense at this point in the mandate.” However, Ms Spinant said that it was up to Mr Hoekstra to “choose” his head of cabinet and “announce them”. If confirmed, Labour’s Social Democrat Diederik Samsom (PvdA) will support the Climate Action work of the former leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), whose hearing at the European Parliament has not yet been announced. (NP)