Brussels – The candidate for European Commissioner from Slovenia Tomaž Vesel had an introductory conversation in Brussels with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who is forming her new team of commissioners. The details of the conversation are not known, but they are expected to speak again soon.
Former President of the Slovenian Court of Audit Vesel met with von der Leyen this morning in Brussels at an introductory meeting. The details of the conversation are not known.
It is also not yet known which portfolio the Slovenian candidate might take over, who has so far highlighted the fields of budget, administration, and EU enlargement as his preferences regarding portfolios.
It is expected that the president of the commission will have several rounds of talks with the candidates. Thus, she is expected to speak again with Vesel soon. She is also in contact with the leaders of member states.
So far, the names of 23 commissioner candidates are known, among whom are 17 men. This makes it difficult for the German politician to achieve the goal of having a gender-balanced future European Commission.
According to the Brussels online bulletin Politico, von der Leyen is “pressuring” some smaller member states to replace their male candidates with female ones. Among these, according to Politico, are Malta and at least two other members.
In response to the question of whether the president of the commission has also approached Ljubljana with such a request, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said that the government’s position is clear and that Vesel has been confirmed by both the government and the competent committee of the National Assembly. (August 28)