Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In a notable development within the European Commission, Commissioners Adina Vălean and Virginijus Sinkevičius have revealed their resignations to take their seats in the EU Parliament.
Why Did Two EU Commissioners Resign?
Romanian European Commissioner Adina Vălean and Lithuanian European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius have quit the European Commission to acquire seats in the European Parliament to which they were elected. Commissioner Vălean, responsible for Transport, and Commissioner Sinkevičius, heading Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, have quit with effect from 15 and 16 July, respectively.
President of EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen has assumed their resignations and has promptly placed measures in place to ensure the continuity of work within the Commission.
What Are Temporary Reassignments After Resignations?
To sustain the smooth functioning of the EU Commission, President von der Leyen has temporarily reassigned the obligations of the departing commissioners. Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič will take on the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries portfolio in addition to his existing responsibilities. Similarly, Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will supervise the Transport portfolio alongside his existing duties.
President von der Leyen has intercommunicated these interim changes to the European Parliament and the EU Council, highlighting the Commission’s responsibility for uninterrupted service and stability during this transition period.
Who Is Virginijus Sinkevičius and His Achievements?
Virginijus Sinkevičius, who has performed as the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries since 2019, has recreated a pivotal function in advancing the European Union’s environmental and maritime approaches. A member of the European Parliament before his commissioner position, Sinkevičius obtained a wealth of political experience and a deep dedication to sustainable development.
During his term, Sinkevičius has been instrumental in executing the European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives sought to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. His work concentrated on enhancing marine conservation measures, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and managing pollution in oceans. Sinkevičius also prioritised biodiversity and the enforcement of environmental laws, contributing greatly to the EU’s environmental agenda.
His release from the Commission marks the commencement of a new chapter in the European Parliament, where he is predicted to continue championing environmental and fisheries issues.
What Are Adina Vălean’s Contributions to EU Transport?
Adina Vălean, who has functioned as the Commissioner for Transport since December 2019, has also had a significant tenure. Vălean’s work focused on enabling sustainable and efficient transportation systems across the EU, contributing to the overarching objectives of the European Green Deal. Her leadership was critical in navigating the transport sector via challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing the EU’s mobility strategy.
