Slovenian diplomat takes charge of European Commission’s Crisis Management portfolio
President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission.
Janez Lenarcic, a Slovenian diplomat, is to be in charge of the Commission’s Crisis Management portfolio. Previously, Lenarcic was Secretary of State for European Affairs, and worked closely for several years with the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union.
The new Commission is structured around the objectives President-elect von der Leyen was elected upon by the European Parliament.
In a release, the Commission said: “At the heart of the Commission’s work is the need to address the changes in climate, technology and demography that are transforming our societies and way of life. Existing powers are going down new paths alone. New powers are emerging and consolidating. This has left a feeling of unease and anxiety in many communities across Europe. The EU must lead the transition to a healthy planet and a new digital world. But it can only do so by bringing people together and upgrading our unique social market economy to fit today's new ambitions.
“As we embark on this journey, we must make the most of all of our strengths, talent and potential. We must focus on equality and creating chances for all, whether for women or men, whether from East, West, South or North, whether young or old. We must defend our common values and uphold the rule of law.
“In the next five years all of the European institutions have to work together closely to allay fears and create opportunities.
President-elect Ursula von der Leyen said: "My Commission will be a geopolitical Commission committed to sustainable policies. And I want the European Union to be the guardian of multilateralism. Because we know that we are stronger by doing together what we cannot do alone."
Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans from the Netherlands will co-ordinate work on the European Green Deal. He will also manage climate action policy, supported by the Directorate-General for Climate Action.
President-elect Ursula von der Leyen said: "I want the European Green Deal to become Europe's hallmark. At the heart of it is our commitment to becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent. It is also a long-term economic imperative: those who act first and fastest will be the ones who grasp the opportunities from the ecological transition. I want Europe to be the front-runner. I want Europe to be the exporter of knowledge, technologies and best practice."
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