Press statement by President von der Leyen on the composition of the College - Main contents

Good morning,

Yesterday I interviewed the candidates put forward by the Irish government for the post of Commissioner, Ms Mairead McGuinness and Mr Andrew McDowell.

Both candidates showed great commitment to the European Union and to the job of Commissioner - excellent candidates. They also both clearly have significant experience of EU matters, of course from different perspectives.

Following these interviews, I have decided to propose to the Council and the European Parliament the appointment of Ms McGuinness to the post of Commissioner. She will be in charge of financial services, financial stability and the Capital Markets Union. Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis will assume responsibility for the trade portfolio, and he will remain the Commission's representative on the Eurogroup, alongside with Commissioner Gentiloni.

Ms McGuinness has significant political experience on EU issues, having been an MEP since 2004 and currently holding the post of first Vice-President of the European Parliament. This experience is crucial in carrying forward the EU's financial sector policy agenda and ensuring it supports and strengthens the Commission's key priorities, notably the twin green and digital transition.

I would like to express my thanks to Mr McDowell for his application and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Thank you.