Ljubljana (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Slovenia picks new commissioner nominee as President of EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen compels for more women nominations. The nomination of ex-ambassador and ex-presidential candidate Marta Kos comes after Tomaž Vesel withdrew.
Slovenia affirmed Marta Kos as its next European commissioner nominee after the earlier candidate withdrew his candidacy amid Ursula von der Leyen’s quest for more women on her top team.
Why Did Tomaž Vesel Withdraw His EU Commissioner Nomination?
The move arrives after Tomaž Vesel, an ex-top auditor, dropped out of the process, following a dispute with European Commission President von der Leyen, he stated. “Unfortunately, President von der Leyen and I do not convey the same concept of how the European Commission should function and I have therefore decided to withdraw my candidacy for the good of the Republic of Slovenia,” Vesel stated.
What Led to Slovenia’s Selection of Marta Kos as EU Commissioner?
President of the European Commission Von der Leyen has expanded pressure on certain countries to switch out male nominees for women in the name of gender balance. Currently, out of the 26 total nominees, 10 are women. Each of the 27 member nations designates one commissioner, except for Germany as von der Leyen herself is their commissioner and she was supported by the European Parliament in July.
What Experience Does Marta Kos Bring as Slovenia’s Commissioner Nominee?
Kos, an ex-ambassador and an ex-vice president of Prime Minister Robert Golob’s liberal Freedom Party, split with Golob two years ago after a short stint as a presidential nominee for the party. She reportedly declined to be the commissioner candidate earlier this year, when she was also invited to lead his list for the European election. However, she has now assumed the role, and connections between them appear to be mended.
Kos is Slovenia’s ex-ambassador to Germany and Switzerland. She left as ambassador to Switzerland in 2020 in the wake of protests by employees at the embassy about inappropriate management there. She is wedded to Henri Gétaz, the ex-secretary general of EFTA, the European Free Trade Association, and is an ex-champion swimmer.
Candidates for the next European Commission must be vetted by the EU Parliament in hearings anticipated to take place in October. The European Commission is expected to take office on December 1.
