Ekaterina Zaharieva has been nominated for European Commissioner for Startups and Innovations

Ekaterina Zaharieva has been nominated for European Commissioner in the department "Startups, Research and Innovations". This was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who today presented the structure of the future EC and the distribution of responsibilities of the new European Commissioners, after meeting with the Council of Presidents of the EP, including the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Mezzola, and the leaders of the political groups.

"We must put innovation and research, science and technology at the center of our economy. Ekaterina Zaharieva will see to it that we invest more in strategic and innovative technologies", emphasized Von der Leyen when introducing the Bulgarian.

In the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen presented the new composition of the institution she leads. The European Commission will be made up of 40% women – 11 in number – and they will get more vice-presidential posts. All candidates will go through hearings with MEPs who must approve their candidacy. The next EC is expected to take office by the end of the year.

Draft composition of the new European Commission:

Teresa Ribera - competitiveness
Hena Virkunen - digital and border technologies, security and democracy
Stefan Sejourne – industry and internal market
Kaya Callas - foreign policy
Roxana Manzatu - people, education and skills
Raffaele Fito - cohesion and reforms
Maros Šefčović – commercial and economic security (new portfolio)
Valdis Dombrovskis – Economics and Productivity and Introduction and Simplification
Dubravka Shuitsa - Mediterranean
Oliver Varhey - Animal Health and Welfare
Vopke Hoekstra - climate, clean growth and zero emissions
Andrews Kubilius – defense and space
Marta Koss - expansion
Josef Sikela - international partnership
Costas Cadiz - Fisheries and Oceans.
Maria Luis Albuquerque - Financial Services and Investment Alliance
Hajja Labib – Emergencies and Crisis Management
Magnus Bruner - Home Affairs and Migration
Jessica Rosewall - Environment, Water Sustainability and Competitive Circular Economy
Piotr Seraphim - budget, fight against abuses
Dan Jorgensen - Energy and Housing
Ekaterina Zaharieva – startups, research and innovation.
Michael McGrath - Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law
Apostolos Tsitsikostas – sustainable transport
Christoph Hansen – Agriculture and Food
Glenn Micallef - Youth, Culture and Sports