Romania asks EU for top commissioner post, as Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia jostle for position

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Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has requested that his country’s upcoming European Commissioner focuses on economic policies, following a meeting with European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursday.

“I want a portfolio that is highly relevant, given that we are the sixth largest country in the EU. The coming years will be crucial for the economy, so I would prefer a role in that area,” Ciolacu told reporters.

This request aligns with similar appeals from leaders elsewhere in CEE seeking economic policy commissions.

Despite von der Leyen’s call for member states to nominate female candidates, Bucharest has not put forward a woman for the role.

Ciolacu has proposed Victor Negrescu, a vice-president of the European Parliament, as Romania’s commissioner. “Romania has seen significant growth in sectors like digital, energy, and industrial production. As a pro-European nation with a supportive government, Romania can contribute effectively to the Commission’s policies in these areas,” Ciolacu said.

Negrescu, defending his candidacy, noted that Romania’s previous commissioners were women and emphasised his youth at 39 years old, arguing that younger voices are needed in the EC to engage with Europe’s younger citizens.

Ciolacu will officially announce Romania’s candidate on August 26, after discussions with the other parties in his governing coalition. Negrescu, who has been an MEP for nearly a decade and served as Minister for European Affairs from 2017-18, also contributed to Romania’s rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. His parliamentary work includes roles on the Culture, Education, Industry, Constitutional Affairs, and Budget committees.

Romania not sole CEE state with eyes on commission prize

Other CEE countries are bidding for the prestige and power represented by an economy-based commissioner post.

Magnus Brunner, 52, Austria’s finance minister since December 2021, is a seasoned finance expert with experience in private and public sectors. As a former energy sector professional and lobbyist for entrepreneurs, Brunner has navigated Austria through inflation and energy crises, drawing mixed reactions for his substantial subsidy programmes.

Tomaz Vesel, 56, a former president of Slovenia’s Court of Auditors, has extensive expertise in public procurement and budget administration. He also served as FIFA’s independent audit committee chair during a corruption scandal.

Piotr Serafin, 50, is Poland’s candidate for a significant European Commission role, possibly focusing on the budget. A close ally of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serafin has extensive experience in European affairs, having served as Tusk’s right-hand man during the Greek debt crisis and Brexit. His deep understanding of EU budgetary processes could make him a key player in shaping Poland’s influence in Brussels.

Jozef Sikela, 57, the Czech industry and trade minister, is an experienced banker with a long career at Erste Group Bank AG. His expertise in finance and investment is crucial as he seeks a role in the EC focusing on industry or energy.

President von der Leyen is expected to receive all candidate names by the end of August, with more than 20 of the 27 member states having nominated candidates. The final portfolio distribution will depend on von der Leyen’s assessment of member states’ profiles and its candidates’ experience and expertise.