The European Union's long-serving antitrust czar, Margrethe Vestager, announced on Tuesday that she has taken a leave of absence from the Commission to focus on her candidacy for the presidency of the European Investment Bank (EIB). This decision came after Vestager's candidacy was officially endorsed by the Renew group on Monday evening.
Following her announcement, Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders was appointed as the new competition chief of the European Commission. The reshuffling of the Commission's portfolios also saw Vice-President Jourová taking over the responsibility for steering and coordinating 'A Europe Fit for the Digital Age', while Commissioner Reynders will report directly to the President for his new role. The portfolio responsibility for Innovation and Research was temporarily assigned to Vice-President Schinas until a new Member of the Commission replaces former Commissioner Gabriel.
Vestager's decision to run for the EIB presidency follows an assessment by the bank's advisory committee, which deemed her a suitable candidate. If selected by EU finance ministers at a mid-September meeting, she would take up her role in January 2024. Should she not be chosen, Vestager has the option to return to her role in charge of digital and competition policy.
Upon learning of Vestager's potential candidacy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asked her to observe a range of measures to ensure full compliance with the Code of Conduct, including avoiding conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts in relation to institutional relations and files she is in charge of. This was conveyed by Commission spokesperson Claire Joawn.
In response to Vestager's potential departure, Caroline Secher Andersen, a spokesperson for the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Danish government would propose another candidate to the Commission president for the remaining period of the mandate.
Vestager joins other high-ranking Commission officials such as Vice President Frans Timmermans and former Commissioner Mariya Gabriel who have recently announced early departures from their roles.
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