European Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker today unveiled his new Commission and named former Irish Environment Minister Phil Hogan as the next EU Agriculture Commissioner.
"In these unprecedented times, Europe's citizens expect us to deliver," Juncker said.
"After years of economic hardship and often painful reforms, Europeans expect a performing economy, sustainable jobs, more social protection, safer borders, energy security and digital opportunities. Today I am presenting the team that will put Europe back on the path to jobs and growth. In the new European Commission, form follows function. We have to be open to change. We have to show that the Commission can change. What I present to you today is a political, dynamic and effective European Commission, geared to give Europe its new start. I have given portfolios to people – not to countries. I am putting 27 players in the field, each of whom has a specific role to play – this is my winning team."
Mr Hogan was one of 28 new EU commissioners announced. The agriculture commissionership accounts for nearly 40% of the total EU budget.
Current Irish Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney welcomed the appointment of Hogan, he said: "Agriculture has always been a priority for Ireland and this is an appointment that Government has made a priority. It is a very significant announcement for Ireland and is recognition of the role the Irish Presidency played in securing a Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) agreement last year.
"This is clearly the appointment this Government had sought and been working on for the last number of months and I am delighted that today we have secured the position of EU Agriculture Commissioner. Ireland sees this appointment as securing a major economic portfolio which controls 40% of the EU Budget. This Government has prioritised Agriculture and Food as a major economic driver for the Irish economy and this appointment will help deliver those targets.
"I wish Phil Hogan the very best in his new role and look forward to working closely with him."
In a next step, the European Parliament has to give its consent to the entire College of Commissioners, including the President and the High-Representative Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. This is preceded by hearings of the Commissioners-designate in the relevant parliamentary committees, in line with Rule 118 of the Parliament's Rules of Procedure. Once the European Parliament has given its consent, the European Council formally appoints the European Commission, in line with Article 17(7) TEU.
