Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius resigns to take up his seat in the European Parliament
In a significant development within the European Commission, Commissioners Adina Vălean and Virginijus Sinkevičius have announced their resignations.
Both commissioners have been elected to the European Parliament and will step down from their current roles to assume their new positions.
Commissioner Vălean, responsible for Transport, and Commissioner Sinkevičius, overseeing Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, have resigned with effect from 15 and 16 July, respectively. President Ursula von der Leyen has accepted their resignations and has promptly put measures in place to ensure the continuity of work within the Commission.
Temporary Reassignments
To maintain the smooth functioning of the Commission, President von der Leyen has temporarily reassigned the responsibilities of the departing commissioners. Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič will take on the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries portfolio in addition to his current responsibilities. Similarly, Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will oversee the Transport portfolio alongside his existing duties.
President von der Leyen has communicated these interim changes to the European Parliament and the Council, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to uninterrupted service and stability during this transition period.
Background on Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius
Virginijus Sinkevičius, who has served as the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries since 2019, has played a pivotal role in advancing the European Union’s environmental and maritime policies. A member of the European Parliament prior to his commissioner role, Sinkevičius brought a wealth of political experience and a deep commitment to sustainable development.
During his tenure, Sinkevičius has been instrumental in implementing the European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives aimed at making the EU climate-neutral by 2050. His work focused on enhancing marine conservation efforts, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and addressing pollution in oceans. Sinkevičius also prioritised biodiversity and the enforcement of environmental regulations, contributing significantly to the EU’s environmental agenda.
His departure from the Commission marks the beginning of a new chapter in the European Parliament, where he is expected to continue championing environmental and fisheries issues.
Commissioner Adina Vălean
Adina Vălean, who has served as the Commissioner for Transport since December 2019, has also had a noteworthy tenure. Vălean’s work focused on promoting sustainable and efficient transportation systems across the EU, contributing to the overarching goals of the European Green Deal. Her leadership was crucial in navigating the transport sector through challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing the EU’s mobility strategy.