On Monday 13 April, the European Commission appointed Jyrki Katainen, former Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness from 2014 to 2019 and Prime Minister of Finland from 2011 to 2014, as Special Advisor for the EU-Arctic relations.
“In this capacity, he will report to the Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr (Jozef) Síkela, and will support the Commission in enhancing its strategic presence and effectiveness in the Arctic region”, explains a press release.
Jyrki Katainen will provide advice on the implementation of the EU’s Arctic priorities, including economic security, connectivity, sustainable development, and climate and energy. He will also contribute to the preparation of the updated EU Arctic policy.
On the same day, the Commission also appointed Anthony Whelan as the Director-General within its Directorate-General for Competition (DG COMP) and Leopoldo Rubinacci as Chair of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board, an independent body which advises the College of Commissioners. Carmen Preising has been appointed as the Director for General Affairs and Resources within its Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)