Johannes Hahn, Regional Policy (Austria, Christian Democrat)
Background
Johannes Hahn’s career in politics started in 1996 when he was elected to the Regional Parliament of Vienna. From 2003 he was a member of the Regional Government and became a Federal Minister for Science and Research in 2007. Before his political career, he had a long career in the private sector, working for the Federation of Austrian Industries and as the Secretary General of the Austrian Managers Association.
Stated Objectives on taking office
- To ensure that investment in the regions is maintained, as it is essential to economic recovery and an integral part of the EU 2020 strategy;
- To promote more green and sustainable growth in the regions;
- To ensure that there is enough flexibility in implementation programmes in all regions.
Members of the Cabinet
Hubert GAMBS, Head of Cabinet:
Nicola DE MICHELIS, Deputy Head of Cabinet, Spain, Italy, Malta, Future of Cohesion policy, Council relations
Hanna JAHNS, Member, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Future of Cohesion policy, Audit
Madeleine MAHOVSKY, Member, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Greece, Cyprus, Territorial Cohesion
Emma UDWIN, Member, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, candidate countries, Outermost regions, Territorial Cooperation
Stefan ZOTTI, Member, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, Inter-institutional relations
Loredana VON BUTTLAR, Member, Ireland, United Kingdom, Romania, Solidarity Fund, Roma
Key statements and actions to date
- Travelling extensively to Xynthia in Southern France ,which had suffered a substantial storm in March as well as to Madeira to help assess how the Commission could help with the efforts after terrible landslides;
- Announcing that Greece will not receive additional regional funding to help it with the economic crisis in the country – nor should Greece be penalized for financial irregularities, as that is not the role of regional funds.
What to expect
Commissioner Hahn has one of the less controversial portfolios but with the economic crisis, regional policy can be used to increase competitiveness and give a welcome need to boost employment rates. However, there will be many other DGs that will want to take the credit if the economy picks up again. Ensuring that regional policy maintains its proportion of the EU’s overall budget will also be a challenge for Hahn in the near future. On a lighter note, in a media interview at the beginning of the year Commissioner Hahn was quoted as describing himself as the “Daddy” of the Regions.