Maximising potential and minimising risks of nanotechnologyBy Martin Livermore and Ulrich Adam, February 18, 2010 Nanotechnology holds great potential and is being used increasingly in food and consumer products. So far, the connotations have mostly been positive. However this promising start is now at risk of being reversed. There is a very real danger that a scare – real or imagined – involving nanotechnology will hit the headlines, evaporating the current positive image of the ‘nano’ label. Arguably, much of the public acceptance and commercial uptake of nanotechnologies in Europe will depend on three key challenges:
Companies wanting to use nanotechnology successfully in the future will need an integrated strategy that helps them to effectively deal with all these aspects. The (public) jury is still out Let us be clear that there is no evidence at all that the current generation of nano-products is causing any kind of health problem. Nor is the nightmare ‘grey goo’ scenario – in which self-replicating nano-bots consume the world's biosphere – any more than another science fiction dystopia. Then again, neither are there any credible concerns about the safety of properly regulated GM crops, and look what environmental activists were able to make of that. In light of this, governments and scientists are trying to engage the public to ensure that there is not a future consumer backlash against nanotech, as underlined by the public consultation launched by the European Commission in December 2009. The Commission has promised to review all relevant legislation in the next two years. The tone of this debate and the legislative framework emerging from it will greatly affect the uptake and public image of nanotechnology in Europe in the years to come. A specific test case will be the labelling of nano ingredients which has been made obligatory for cosmetic products and is under consideration for food and other products. It will show for the first time if and how the technology will affect consumer choice. Consumers buy products, not technologies Yet even if a balanced regulatory regime is a precondition for the future use and application of nanotechnology in Europe, it will not automatically create trust and trigger demand among consumers. Consumers by and large are not really interested in technologies and the regulatory regimes that govern them; they are interested in products. As recent consumer research has shown, nanotechnology seems to be an example of a technology which will be embraced by consumers when it provides direct benefits. If, for instance, nano particles applied in ice cream not only improved texture and uniformity, but also successfully enhanced the taste and health benefits of the product, consumer would be inclined to buy it, notwithstanding a rather sceptical attitude towards nanotechnology as a concept. As such, commercial success of nanotechnology will strongly depend on the ability to identify and demonstrate specific benefits to consumers. Still, this leaves nano-products vulnerable to either real safety concerns in related areas or to contrived scares. This makes it important for companies operating in the area to protect their brands as carefully as possible. One sensible way forward would be via market segmentation, either by ingredient type or product sector. If, for example, nano-particle-enriched cooking oils were to be clearly branded to distinguish them from other products using the blanket "nano" brand, this application would become increasingly trusted and insulated from possible negative publicity about, say, carbon nano-tubes. But what works for one product does not necessarily work for another. Each case is different and needs separate analysis. The common factor is the approach. Brand owners need to be brutally honest about the potential for harm to their business. They should put themselves in the shoes of those who might damage their business. Only then will it be possible to devise and implement effective strategies to protect the investment. Those who are complacent about the issues are risking their business. Martin Livermore is a freelance science policy and communications consultant with considerable experience in the food, crop biotechnology and crop protection industries. He is also director of the Scientific Alliance, which encourages rational and constructive debate on environmental issues. Dr Ulrich Adam is Associate Director and Head of the Food and Consumer Affairs Practice at Hill & Knowlton’s Brussels office. Over the past five years he has advised associations and companies on consumer acceptance issues related to perceived controversial technologies, including pesticides and human and veterinary vaccinations. |
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H&K UPDATE: The Commissioners’ “Chefs de Cabinets” and first indications of new policy prioritiesDecember 11, 2009 |
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Dear Colleague, Following our first two updates on the new College of Commissioners, please find below an overview of the incoming “Chefs de Cabinets”, and some first indications of new policy priorities. I hope you find this helpful and would be pleased to receive feedback on this and other bulletins we send. With warmest wishes until the next update, Elaine Cruikshanks |
The CabinetsThe new College of Commissioners and their policy remits are now known. But who are the men and women who will lead their Cabinets – the “Chefs de Cabinets” - and what policy direction can we expect them to take during their five-year term? The Chefs are instrumental in setting their Commissioners’ policy agendas and can wield a powerful influence in the prioritisation of policies. They lead the Commissioners’ Cabinets, which usually consist of about seven personal advisors, supported by administrative staff. The Cabinet’s job is threefold.
Assembling a Cabinet is no easy feat. Hundreds of CVs stream in from the moment the new Commissioners are known. There is intense lobbying for favoured candidates by national governments, industry and civil society groups, political parties and friends. Besides a candidate’s experience and knowledge, Commissioners need to consider a whole range of other attributes, including someone’s political affiliation, gender, language and cultural attributes (north-south split). Nationality also plays a big role - not more than four members of Cabinet can be of the same nationality as the Commissioner, the Chef and Deputy-Chef must have different nationalities. In this regard the Commissioner may choose a Chef de Cabinet of his nationality but in this case, the Deputy-Chef de Cabinet would have to be of a different nationality. In addition, the spokesman cannot come from the same country as their Commissioner. Chefs de Cabinets are expected to fight their Commissioners’ corner and to defend his or her interests, particularly in the intense lobbying that goes on between different Commissioners on the more controversial issues. A Chef must have standing, experience and sway with his colleagues. The Chefs will spend the coming weeks preparing their Commissioners for the European Parliament hearings set to start on January 11. An analysis of the Chefs’ names below shows that, as in the current Commission, about one third of the Chefs come from the UK, France or Germany. Only three women have been put forward as Chefs de Cabinets. Of the 27 Chefs, 24 return from existing Cabinet positions, and 14 are currently Chefs. In many ways, the high number of returning Chefs, and presumably other returning Cabinet officials, is good for continuity and should help to give Barroso II a flying start, particularly as all Commissioners have been assigned new portfolios. One interesting observation about the new portfolio division between Commissioners is that there are a number of policy areas with possibly overlapping competencies. For example, a number of responsibilities in the energy/environment/climate arena are not well-defined. Another area where this is the case is the digital/technology/ICT sphere. Cynics have suggested that these and other overlapping remits were purposely included, as a means of strengthening the hand of the President – where there are disputes, he can step in to deliver the final say. Who are the new “Chefs de Cabinet”?In this update, we provide an overview of the known Chefs de Cabinets, with an emphasis on the most influential and prominent Commission portfolios. Many of these names, though not all, have been announced internally. |
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Johannes Laitenberger will lead the Cabinet of José Manuel Barroso. Laitenberger assumed this role on November 1, after 4 years as Barroso’s spokesman, and previous to that as a member of his Cabinet. Laitenberger, a German national, is a fluent Portuguese speaker and is said to have a very close relationship with Barroso. Prior to joining the Commission’s Competition Directorate-General in 1999, he practiced as a lawyer, worked in an industry association and at the Council of the European Union. In 1999 he joined the Cabinet of Viviane Reding and became head of Cabinet there in 2003. Barroso set out his policy directions for his new 5 year mandate. He wants a team that "...can generate fresh thinking and new ideas on the biggest challenges we face”. |
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James Morrison will lead the Cabinet of Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission. Prior to coming to Brussels to work with Lady Ashton, he served for 20 years with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Lady Ashton started her new position on December 1 and she will preside over the Foreign Affairs Council and lead the European External Action Service (EEAS), the embryonic EU diplomat service. |
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Marc Vanheukelen will lead the Cabinet of Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht. Vanheukelen is a Belgian Liberal like De Gucht and is currently his Chef de Cabinet. Prior to that, he held a series of posts in the European Commission and in the Belgian Foreign Service. He was Head of Unit for Relations with the United States in the Commission and Deputy Head of Cabinet to the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, dealing with international trade in particular. In terms of political priorities for De Gucht, the conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda negotiations at the end of 2010 and the improvement of economic aspects of EU-USA relations are said to be top priorities. |
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Carlos Martinez-Mongay will lead the Cabinet of Competition Commissioner, Joaquin Almunia. Martinez is currently head of unit in DG Economic and Financial Affairs dealing with Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Portugal. Given that Almunia, Martinez and the EU Competition Director General designate – Dutchman Alexander Italianer – all have backgrounds in economics, some believe the job of Deputy Chef de Cabinet will go to a lawyer. Speculation is rife as to Almunia’s likely position on EU antitrust and regulatory policy - some believe he is likely to take a softer approach than Neelie Kroes on antitrust cases as his trade union background will make him sensitive to the impact of large fines on EU businesses and jobs. Others believe his centre-left political background could make him tougher on big business. |
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Olivier Guersent will lead the Cabinet of Internal Market and Services Commissioner, Michel Barnier. Guersent, a French national, is head of the European Commission’s Cartels Directorate in DG Competition. He was previously an advisor to former Competition Commissioner Karel van Miert, and served as Deputy-Chef in the Cabinet of current Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes. UK national Jonathan Faull was surprisingly and hastily appointed as the new Director-General for Internal Market and Services, some say as a gesture to the City of London, where many fear heavy-handed regulation of the financial sector from the new Commissioner. The expansion and protection of the internal market and financial services regulation are expected to be the main priorities of the new Commissioner. |
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Timo Pesonen will lead the Cabinet of Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner, Olli Rehn. He previously served as Special Advisor on International Affairs for former Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen. Rehn’s main priority will be how best to generate economic recovery. In addition, the expansion of the eurozone will feature high on the list of priorities. |
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Michael Köhler will lead the Cabinet of Energy Commissioner, Günter Oettinger. Köhler, a German national, is currently head of Cabinet for Commissioner Borg. Köhler has an academic background from the University of Bonn, but also worked in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development. He joined the Commission in 1994, where he has worked in foreign, maritime and other policy areas. The Energy Commissioner will most likely focus on the integration of energy markets, the development of the so-called “smart” electricity transmission grid and security of supply, as well as energy efficiency and the more rapid introduction of low-carbon technologies. Contrary to some indications, the Energy Commissioner will not gain control over funding earmarked for energy research in other Directorates-General. |
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Christopher Jones will lead the Cabinet of Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs. He is currently Director of New and Renewable Sources of Energy in Directorate-General TREN. He is the former Deputy Head of Cabinet to Piebalgs where he was responsible for the co-ordination and strategic development of energy policy. Jones’ move is interesting, as he had moved back into the services about a year ago. Jones is credited with some of the more forward-thinking policies in energy efficiency measures from the current Commission. Prior to this, he held a number of positions in the Commission's Directorate General for Energy. |
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John Bell will lead the Cabinet of Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. Bell is currently Chef de Cabinet to the European Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Kuneva. He joined the Commission in 1993, working on policies related to Central and Eastern Europe, but also trade and other issues. He was a member of the Cabinet of Irish Commissioner David Byrne, Health and Consumer Protection from 1999 to 2004. One of the major policy issues will be how best to redirect research budgets towards green and decarbonising technologies. |
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Maria (Mia) Åsenius will lead the Cabinet of Home Affairs Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström. Åsenius is currently State Secretary to Cecilia Malmström in her role as Minister for EU Affairs. Åsenius, with an academic background in business and economics, was previously an adviser to European Parliament President Pat Cox, and later became deputy Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Olli Rehn before returning to work with Malmström in Sweden. Upon her nomination, Malmström called for “robust cooperation” throughout Europe in order to effectively tackle the global economic crisis. |
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Kurt Vandenberghe will lead the Cabinet of Environment Commissioner, Janez Potočnik. A Belgian national, Vandenberghe has been a member of Cabinet since 1999, first with Commissioner Philippe Busquin and then with Commissioner Potočnik, the former and current Commissioners responsible for the Science and Research remit. Vandenberghe was promoted to Head of Cabinet last year and will move with Commissioner Potočnik to the Environment portfolio. Prior to his time in the Cabinet he worked in DG Transport. The policy areas the Commissioner is expected to focus on include air, land and water management policies in addition to biodiversity negotiations. |
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Joanna Darmanin will lead the Cabinet of Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner, John Dalli. Darmanin was Deputy Head of Cabinet for Joe Borg, the Maltese Fisheries Commissioner. Before joining the Commission, she worked in the Private Secretariats of the Foreign Minister and the President of Malta (where she dealt with European and multilateral affairs) following a diplomatic posting to the Maltese Permanent Mission to the UN. Among the priorities set out by Dalli for his term as Commissioner include ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of European healthcare systems as well as co-ordinating Member State responses to human and animal pandemics. |
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Antonio Preto will lead the Cabinet of the Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani. Antonio Preto, a lawyer by training, stays on as head of Cabinet, having served in this position in Mr Tajani’s previous posting as Transport Commissioner. Prior to joining the Commissioner’s Cabinet Preto worked in the European Parliament, first as an administrator and lastly in the Cabinet of the former President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering. According to his CV, his experience focuses more on enterprise and industry issues than on transport issues. Among the priorities set out by Tajani following his nomination by Barroso are the strategic framework for an integrated industrial policy and the implementation of the Small Business Act. |
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Peter Vis will lead the Cabinet of Climate Action Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard. A British national, Vis is currently a member of Energy Commissioner Piebalgs’ Cabinet. The overriding aim of the new portfolio is to ensure that the EU meets its 2020 GHG emission reduction and other targets. Hedegaard and Vis will have responsibility for developing and implementing the EU ETS, promoting links with other carbon trading systems, and promoting the development of low-carbon adaptation technologies. His appointment has raised some eyebrows as Connie Hedegaard decided to nominate a Chef de Cabinet from another member state. The British have a strong interest in the portfolio, primarily because of the large carbon trading system desks in the City of London. With twenty years experience in Brussels, Vis is highly regarded for his pragmatic approach and ability to achieve results. The new Climate Action Commissioner will be responsible for the New Entrants' Reserve of the ETS and its use for renewable energy and CCS among others. |
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Antony Whelan returns to lead the Cabinet of Digital Agenda Commissioner, Neelie Kroes. Whelan became known at DG Competition for his rigorous approach to the enforcement of competition policy. A lawyer by training, he previously worked in the European Commission’s legal service where, amongst other things, he headed the Commission team defending the fine against Microsoft before the European Court of First Instance. Whelan studied law at Trinity College Dublin and Cambridge University before qualifying as a barrister in Dublin. Kroes is likely to try and push investment in broadband infrastructure in particular. In her previous role she was keen to make provisions for state aid to ensure people had access to broadband. She will also undoubtedly look into ways of unlocking the digital single market and try to find an economic model to support creative content online and fight piracy, seen as a big challenge of the digital age. |
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Martin Selmayr will lead the Cabinet of Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner, Viviane Reding. Prior to his job as spokesman for Commissioner Reding, a job he held from late 2004, he worked for the European Central Bank, and for the international media company Bertelsmann, where he also led their Brussels office. Commissioner Reding is widely expected to make privacy one of her main priorities for the next five years. The last Commission did little to address the issue of privacy in the digital age and Reding will undoubtedly want to leave her mark in this area. Behavioural advertising and cloud computing are also likely to be focus areas for the Commissioner. |
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Jochen Richter is expected to lead the Cabinet of International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Commissioner, Rumiana Jeleva. He was deputy head of Multilingualism Commissioner Leonard Orban's Cabinet. A German national, Richter previously worked in the Conciliations and Co-decision Secretariat of the European Parliament. |
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Anabela Gago will lead the Cabinet of the Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Commissioner, László Andor. Gago is currently deputy head of Cabinet for Tax and Customs Union Commissioner Kovacs. |
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Philippe Brunet will continue to lead the Cabinet of Androulla Vassiliou as Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth. |
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Marc Lemaitre will lead the Cabinet of Budget and Financial Programming Commissioner, Janusz Lewandowski. Lemaitre is the former Head of Cabinet of outgoing Commissioner Samecki. |
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Stephen Quest will continue to lead the Cabinet of Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud Commissioner Algirdas Šemeta. |
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Hubert Gambs will lead the Cabinet of Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn. Gambs was previously in the Cabinet of Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. |
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Georgios Markopoulitis will lead the Cabinet of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki. |
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Simon Mordue will lead the Cabinet of Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner, Štefan Füle. |
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Hendrik Hololei will continue to lead the Cabinet of Transport Commissioner, Siim Kallas. |
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Peter Javorcík will lead the Cabinet of Inter-institutional Relations and Administration Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič. |
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The Chef de Cabinet of Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, will be Georg Häusler, an Austrian who is currently Head of Unit in DG Agriculture responsible for budget and audit. |
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RELEASE THE PRESS
December 8, 2009
Geachte heer, mevrouw,
Beste journalist,
We zijn er weer voor de derde editie van “Release the Press”, waarvoor we u hierbij van harte willen uitnodigen. Afspraak op woensdag 9 december in de Italiaanse wijnbar, La Piola, Franklinstraat 66-68, (dichtbij het Schumanplein) voor een kleine knabbel en een babbel.
We beginnen rond 18.00 uur (tot ongeveer 21.00 uur) en bieden u natuurlijk ook enkele lekkere drankjes
en antipasti aan. Place to Be:
La Piola
Franklinstraat 66-68, 1000 Brussel.
U kunt uw auto parkeren in de omliggende straten maar ook in onze eigen ondergrondse parking (Kortenberglaan 118, 1000 Brussel) die op vijf minuten wandelafstand van La Piola gelegen is. De wijnbar is bovendien ook vlakbij metrohalte Schuman en dus ook gemakkelijk bereikbaar met het openbaar vervoer.
U kunt uw aanwezigheid bevestigen door op deze knop te klikken. Gelieve uw naam, voornaam en publicatie te vermelden in uw bevestiging. Hopelijk tot binnenkort!
Le 8 décembre, 2009
Chère Madame, Cher Monsieur,
Cher/Chère Journaliste,
Nous revoilà pour une troisième édition de « Release the Press » à laquelle nous vous convions le mercredi 9 décembre dans une ambiance festive à l’italienne au bar à vin, La Piola, Rue Franklin, 66-68, près du rond point Schuman.
Le début de la soirée est prévu vers 18h (jusqu’à 21h environ). Bien évidemment, nous attendons
avec impatience cette rencontre avec des boissons et des antipasti.
Place to Be:
La Piola
66-68 Rue Franklin, 1000 Bruxelles.
Il y a de la place pour se garer dans les rues autour de La Piola mais si vous le souhaitez
nous mettons également notre Parking à disposition au 118, Av. de Cortenbergh, 1000 Bruxelles
(à 5 mins de la Piola). En outre, le bar est situé à proximité de la station métro Schuman et est
donc facilement accessible en transport en commun.
Vous pouvez confirmer votre participation simplement via un clic sur ce bouton.
Merci de bien vouloir préciser votre nom, prénom et publication.
Au plaisir de vous y voir!
releasethepress@hillandknowlton.com
LESS MEAT = LESS HEAT
December 3, 2009
Sir Paul McCartney was today invited to speak about ‘Global Warming and Food Policy, Less Meat = Less Heat’ in front of the European Parliament, along with Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
H&K Brussels was present on behalf of one of their clients which also promotes vegetal-based food as part of the solution to climate change. H&K ensured that vegetal-based food will be served in the Parliament’s restaurant on the day of the event to make people aware that individuals too can do something to fight global warming, such as eating less animal-based food.
H&K UPDATE - THE NEW COLLEGE OF COMMISSIONERS
December 1, 2009
Dear Colleague,
The new College of Commissioners has been announced. Hill & Knowlton thought it would be useful to provide you with an overview of the incoming Commissioners, their responsibilities and changes in competencies. I hope you find this helpful and would be pleased to receive feedback on this and other bulletins we send.
With warmest wishes until the next update,
Elaine Cruikshanks
CEO
Who are the new Commissioners in Barroso II?
The new College of Commissioners to take office in 2010 has been announced. This document sets out who they are, which job they will get and what their new responsibilities will be. Fifteen of the 27 Commissioners-designate come back for a second or third term in the Commission. All of the new Commissioners take on new policy responsibilities, with the exception of President Barroso. There are nine women in the new College, 1 less than at the start of Barroso I. There are seven Vice Presidents: Ashton, Reding, Almunia, Kallas, Kroes, Tajani and Šefcovic, according to the official order of ranking.
Of the new College, 13 come from the centre right, 6 from the centre left and 8 from the ranks of liberal parties. The Commissioners political affiliations are indicated below as EPP (European People's Party) for those from the centre right, S&D (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) for those from the centre-left, and ELDR (European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party) for liberals. In the new College, many of the powerful economic portfolios, like Competition, Internal Market and Industry and Entrepreneurship, will be led by Commissioners from southern countries which have more “corporatist”, as opposed to free-market, traditions. But the effect of this will depend on the approach of individual Commissioners.
President Barroso has introduced a series of changes to the new College and the services they lead. The most impactful are:
- a new cross-departmental Climate Commissioner with a new climate action DG
- a split-up of the justice, security and home affairs between two Commissioners
- a split-up of the Development and Humanitarian Affairs remits
- the split-up of the current Directorate-General for Transport and Energy
- the fusing together of the Consumer Affairs and Health Directorates-General
- the moving of the pharmaceuticals unit to the new Directorate-General for Health and Consumers
- the moving of the biotechnology and pesticides unit from the Environment Directorate-General to the Health and Consumer Directorate-General
- no Commissioner with a specific communications remit like Commissioner Wallström had
- a likely new role of Chief Scientific Advisor
The new Commissioners, their responsibilities and changes in competencies.
President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso (Portugal, EPP). Barroso returns to lead a revamped College. He was Portugal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and was elected Prime Minister in 2002. Barroso became Commission President in November 2004, and in June 2009, was put forward by EU leaders for a second term. In September the European Parliament approved his nomination, after insisting he set-out a political manifesto of his vision for the EU. Responsibilities: Secretariat-General (SG); Legal Service (LS); Bureau of European Policy Advisers (BEPA); Spokespeople's Service (SPP). Competency changes: The Better Regulation Unit moves from DG Enterprise and Industry to the Secretariat-General.
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the Commission Baroness Catherine Ashton (UK, S&D). Lady Ashton has been Commissioner for Trade since October 2008. She starts her new position on December 1. A surprise choice for the dual position of EU High Representative and Vice-President of the Commission, Ashton’s new position combines that of the Commissioner for External Relations DG (currently Benita Ferrero-Waldner) and the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (Javier Solana). Although she does not have any direct experience in foreign policy, as the European Commissioner for Trade, she negotiated bilateral trade agreements and is well-regarded in Brussels. Her predecessor, Javier Solana, was noted for developing a uniquely ‘European’ foreign policy. Ashton has publicly stated that she will pursue a style of “quiet diplomacy” and is known for lacking a big ego. Responsibilities: DG External Relations (RELEX). In the Council she will preside over the Foreign Affairs Council. Competency changes: Will lead the European External Action Service (EEAS), the embryonic EU diplomat service to be set up.
Internal Market and Services, Michel Barnier (France, EPP). Barnier has landed one of the heavyweight posts in the Commission. His responsibilities include financial services, a sector expecting a raft of regulation in the coming years. Barnier has served as Environment Minister, Minister for European Affairs, Foreign Affairs Minister, and Agriculture and Fisheries Minister. He was Commissioner for Regional Policy and Constitutional Reform between 1999 and 2004. Barnier said prior to his appointment that: “The European Commission is going to have to learn lessons from this crisis, and propose how to fight it, through regulation, through governance, with European policies, and also a new programme of sustainable growth…”. Interestingly, at the press event to announce the new Commissioner, the President also announced that a UK national, Jonathan Faull, would be appointed Director-General for Internal Market and Services. This was interpreted as a gesture to the City of London, where many fear heavy-handed regulation of the financial sector from the new Commissioner. Responsibilities: DG Internal Market and Services (MARKT); Office of Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM). Competency changes: none.
Competition, Joaquin Almunia (Spain, S&D). Almunia returns to the new Commission as a Vice-President with one of the heavyweight posts. He is currently European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. Almunia has a long and distinguished career in politics, academia and Parliament. He joined the Prodi Commission in late 2004 to succeed Pedro Solbes who returned to domestic politics. In media circles, Almunia has been described as “considered and reflective” and “an experienced hand”. Almunia has set out the reform of the financial sector as a primary priority for his new mandate. Responsibilities: DG Competition (COMP). Competency changes: The state aid competencies in DG Transport and Energy move to DG COMP.
Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn (Finland, ELDR). Olli Rehn is the current European Commissioner for Enlargement, and comes back to the College to lead the powerful Directorate-General Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rehn was previously an advisor to the Prime Minister of Finland and a Member of the European Parliament. He also led the cabinet of a previous Finnish Commissioner, Erkki Liikanen. Rehn described economic recovery as his top priority, as well as the expansion of the eurozone. Responsibilities: DG Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECFIN). Competency changes: none
Trade, Karel de Gucht (Belgium, ELDR). De Gucht is former Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs and the current Commissioner for Development. He has been a Member of the Belgian, Flemish and European Parliaments. As Minister for Foreign Affairs he restored a strained relationship with the US over Belgium's controversial ‘crimes against humanity genocide law' which enabled Belgium to try foreign leaders. De Gucht has emphasized the importance for Europe to “fight for its place in tomorrow's world” through liberal values and democratic ideals. Responsibilities: DG TRADE. Competency changes: Co-ordination of the Trans-Atlantic Economic Council (TEC) moves to DG TRADE.
Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani (Italy, EPP). Tajani is currently a Vice President of the Commission, a role he will continue in the new College. He was an officer in the Italian Air Force and later a journalist, and is a founding member of Forza Italia, where among other things; he was Prime Minister Berlusconi’s spokesperson. He served in the European Parliament and was President of the European People’s Party in the Parliament. Tajani became Commissioner for Transport in 2008. Under his new mandate, Tajani will co-ordinate efforts to boost industrial cooperation across the EU with a particular emphasis on new green technologies. Tajani highlighted that in tackling the current economic crisis, Europe needs to focus on its manufacturing system and SMEs. Responsibilities: DG Enterprise and Industry (ENTR); European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Competency changes: Better Regulation Unit moves to the Secretariat-General. Pharmaceutical Products and Cosmetics Units move to DG Health, European Medicines Agency moves to Health and Consumer Policy; Trans-Atlantic Economic Council (TEC) moves to DG TRADE; Satellite Navigation Units move to DG ENTR. The DG is therefore substantially trimmed back in the new Commission.
Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud, Algirdas Šemeta (Lithuania, EPP). Šemeta was Commissioner for Financial Planning and Budget from July 2009, following Dalia Grybauskaité, who became President of Lithuania. As a former Minister of Finance who has served in a series of economic and regulatory positions in Lithuania, Šemeta stated that he will bring this solid experience to his new portfolio while ensuring that European citizens obtain value for money. Responsibilities: DG Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD); European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and part of DG BUDG responsible for Budget Discharge. Competency changes: More responsibility than the former TAXUD Commissioner.
Transport, Siim Kallas (Estonia, ELDR). Kallas returns as a Vice-President of the Commission. As Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-fraud, Kallas implemented the ‘European Transparency Initiative’, to increase EU funding accountability and impose more transparency on lobbying. Responsibilities: DG Transport to be created out of DG Transport and Energy (TREN); European Railway Agency (ERA); European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA); Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency; Competency changes: The state aid competencies currently in DG TREN will move to DG Competition (COMP). The Satellite Navigation Units move to DG Enterprise and Industry.
Energy, Günter Oettinger (Germany, EPP) Oettinger is First Minister for Baden-Württemberg, one of the biggest regions in Germany. He has an academic background in law and economics and has held a series of political roles since the early eighties. In 1991, he became president of the CDU group in the State Parliament. In response to his appointment, Oettinger rejected claims that he would campaign for nuclear power, but would rather advocate an "energy mix that would enable the EU to be as self-sufficient as possible”. Responsibilities: DG Energy (DG Energy and Transport to be split. Competency changes: The state aid competencies in DG Transport and Energy (TREN) move to DG COMP.
Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, (The Netherlands, ELDR). Kroes is the current Commissioner for Competition and returns as a Vice President. She built up a reputation as a tough no-nonsense Commissioner, not afraid of confronting Member States over state aids or companies over cartels. Her steady approach in implementing the Microsoft antitrust decision and her decision to impose a record fine on Intel, suggest that she will be a formidable operator with this new portfolio. Responsibilities: DG Information Society (INFSO); European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA). Competency changes: The MEDIA Programme Unit moves from DG INFSO to DG Education and Culture.
Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard (Denmark, EPP). Hedegaard is Denmark’s Minister for Climate and Energy, a post she has held since late 2007. She will be President and Chairperson of the COP 15 negotiations in December. She played a leading role in the negotiations leading up to COP 15, travelling the world to achieve a deal. Hedegaard was a member of the Danish Parliament during the 1980s and also worked in broadcast and print journalism. Under her new mandate, Hedegaard will no doubt work closely with Industry Commissioner, Antonio Tajani, and the new Energy and Environment Commissioners. Responsibilities: DG Climate Action, which will be set up in the first half of 2010 from Directorate C of DG Environment and other units. Competency changes: New DG.
Environment, Janez Potočnik (Slovenia, ELDR). Potočnik, previously the well-respected Commissioner for Science and Research, returns to the Commission in a new role. Prior to that, he led Slovenia’s accession campaign to the EU and has also held a range of academic positions. Potočnik will focus on issues such as environmental protection, preserving biodiversity and furthering environmentally-friendly industry which he believes will also be an important contribution in the fight against climate change. In response to fears that his portfolio could be overshadowed by that of the Climate Change Commissioner, Potočnik stressed that it will enable all environment-related issues to receive the attention they deserve. Responsibilities: DG Environment (ENV); European Environmental Agency (EEA). Competency changes: Climate Directorate ENV C moves to the new DG for Climate Action (except the Clean Air Unit C.3), Biotechnology and pesticides unit move from the Environment Directorate-General to the Health and Consumer Directorate-General.
Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli (Malta - EPP). Dalli worked in the private sector in shipping, advertising, textiles and consulting. In politics, he has been Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance, and Foreign Affairs and lastly, Social Policy. His responsibilities included social policy, health and employment issues. Responsibility for the pharmaceutical sector moved from DG Enterprise and Industry to Dalli’s DG, despite resistance from the pharmaceutical industry. Responsibilities: DG Health and Consumers (SANCO); Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO); European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); European Medicines Agency (EMEA); Executive Agency for Health and Consumers (EAHC). Competency changes: Pharmaceutical Products and Cosmetics Units move to DG SANCO; Biotechnology, Pesticides and Health Unit moves to DG SANCO, Consumer Contract and Marketing Law moves to DG Justice, Liberty and Security.
Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström (Sweden - ELDR). is currently Minister for European Union Affairs. Prior to her appointment in October 2006, she served as a Member of the European Parliament. As an MEP she was a member of the Committee on Constitutional and Foreign Affairs. Ahead of her appointment, Malmström stated that it would be an “an honour to lead the Union's fight against cross-border crime and human trafficking, and to put in place a common asylum policy while also creating ways for legal migration to Europe.” Reacting to news of her announcement, Malmström looks forward to cooperating closely with Commissioner Reding, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, in the fight against crime and in creating an effective asylum and migration policy. Responsibilities: Directorates B, C and F of DG Justice, Liberty and Security (JLS) (Directorate A will serve both the Home Affairs portfolio and the Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship portfolio); (FRONTEX, EUROPOL, CEPOL Visa System (VIS II) and Schengen System (SIS II); European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Competency changes: As above.
Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos (Romania, EPP). Dacian Ciolos is a former Minister for Agriculture. With a background in agricultural engineering, Ciolos is currently completing a PhD in agricultural economics in France. He has served as a Manager for the SAPARD Programme (agriculture programme for accession countries)at the Commission’s Delegation in Romania, worked as an adviser to the Agriculture Minister and served as Minister himself from October 2007 to December 2008. He currently chairs the Commission for Agriculture in Romania. A close ally of France, his appointment has been broadly welcomed by President Sarkozy who claimed it is a “second victory" for France in terms of the proposed reforms to the Common Agriculture Policy in the coming years. Responsibilities: DG Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). Competency changes: none.
Budget and Financial Programming, Janusz Lewandowski (Poland, EPP). Lewandowski is an economist and politician who advised the Solidarność movement. He served as Minister for Privatization in the early nineties. He was appointed observer to the European Parliament and elected in 2004, where he was Chair and later Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee. Mr. Lewandowski acknowledged the scale of his portfolio by stating that“Europe is only now starting to overcome the economic crisis. The budget needs to be shaped in a way which will allow the East to catch up with the West, but also to ensure that Europe becomes more dynamic on the global competition stage”. Responsibilities: DG Budget (BUDG). Competency changes: none.
Development, Andris Piebalgs (Latvia, EPP). Piebalgs returns to the College with a new portfolio. He has worked as an academic, teacher, Member of Parliament, diplomat and as a Minister of Finance. Piebalgs is Commissioner for Energy and is seen to have been highly successful. On news of his appointment, Piebalgs acknowledged his new mandate as ''one of the toughest portfolios'', which will involve efforts to reduce global poverty in Asia, Latin America and Africa. However, his new post could be viewed as an undeserved demotion. Responsibilities: DG Development (DEV). Competency changes: The development part of EuropeAid-Cooperation Office (AIDCO) moves to his DG.
Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou (Cyprus, ELDR). Vassiliou is currently European Commissioner for Health, a post she has fulfilled since March 2008. She has an extensive career in politics and law, and has serving as a parliamentarian in Cyprus. Vassiliou can be expected to build up a strong profile as she successfully did during her term as Health Commissioner. Responsibilities: DG Education and Culture (EAC); DG Translation (DGT); DG Interpretation (SCIC); Translation Centre for the Bodies of the EU (CdT); European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP); European Training Foundation (ETF); European Institute of Technology (EIT). Competency changes: The MEDIA Programme Unit and the Marie Curie Programme Units moves to DG EAC.
Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor (Hungary, S&D). Andor has an academic background in economics. He was advisor to Hungary’s former Prime Minister Gyurcsány, and since 2005, has been a member of the Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Hungarian Prime Minister, Gordon Bajnai, welcomed the importance of being awarded this “crisis management position” and added that social development represents one of the greatest challenges in the new Member States.” Responsibilities: DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (EMPL); European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound); European Agency for Health and safety at Work (EU-OSHA). Competency changes: Equality between Men/Women, Action against Discrimination, Civil Society Directorate to fall under the responsibility of the Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship.
Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle (Czech Republic, S&D). Füle is currently Czech Minister for European Affairs. He has worked at the United Nations and was the representative of the Czech Republic to the UN Security Council, as well as Ambassador to Lithuania and the United Kingdom. His appointment comes at a time when the EU will not enlarge beyond Iceland and Croatia whose accession is considered a given. Responsibilities: DG Enlargement (ELARG); Competency changes: The Neighbourhood parts of DG External Relations (RELEX) and of the EuropeAid-Cooperation Office (AIDCO).
Inter-institutional Relations and Administration, Maroš Šefčovič (Slovakia, S&D). Šefčovič will be a Vice-President in the new College. Šefčovič served in the Slovak Foreign Service where he led EU and NATO departments and the private office of the Foreign Minister. He is currently the Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the EU. Šefčovič welcomed news of his appointment and ensured that the effective implementation of the Lisbon Treaty in addition to improving inter-institutional dialogue will be his primary objectives. Responsibilities: DG Personnel and Administration (ADMIN); DG Informatics (DIGIT); Office for Administration and Payment of Individual Entitlements (PMO); Office for Infrastructure and Logistics in Brussels (OIB); Office for Infrastructure and Logistics in Luxembourg (OIL); European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO); European Administration School (EAS). Competency changes: None.
Research, Innovation and Science, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn (Republic of Ireland, ELDR). Geoghegan-Quinn was Minister for Justice and Minister for European Affairs. She was the first female cabinet minister. From 1999 she has served as Ireland’s representative on the EU Court of Auditors. The Research and Innovation Commissioner will play a key role in the drive to maintain and create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Responsibilities: DG Research (RTD); Joint Research Centre (JRC); European Research Council (ERC); Research Executive Agency (REA); European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA). Competency changes: The Marie Curie Programme Units move to DG Education and Culture (EAC).
International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Rumiana Jeleva (Bulgaria, EPP). Jeleva is the current Foreign Minister of Bulgaria. She served as an MEP, when she led the Bulgarian group in the EPP. She has a PhD in sociology from Otto von Guericke University in Germany and has been a professor of economic sociology. Noting the importance of her portfolio, Jeleva highlighted the significance of the European Union’s role as a global actor, adding that this is of exceptional political importance, particularly after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. Responsibilities: DG Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). Competency changes: Civil Protection Units move to DG ECHO.
Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding (Luxembourg, EPP). Reding returns to the Commission for a third term, again as a Vice-President. She has served as Commissioner for Information Society and Media and previously was responsible for Education, Culture, Youth, Media and Sports. Reding’sresponsibility for the e-privacy element of the Telecoms Package while Commissioner for Information Society and Media, which significantly strengthened the rights of internet users, will facilitate her work on the re-writing of EU data protection laws which are up for review in 2010. Responsibilities: Directorates D and E of DG Justice, Liberty and Security (JLS); European Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA); European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE); European Judicial Cooperation Unit (EUROJUST); DG Communication (COMM); Publications Office (OP). Competency changes: Consumer Contract and Marketing Law moves to DG JLS from DG Health as part of the Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship portfolio.
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki (Greece, S&D). Damanaki has a degree in chemical engineering. She was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1977, representing the Communist Party, and stayed in Parliament until 1993. She was later elected to Parliament for the social democratic PASOK, where she is coordinator of education and culture issues. Ahead of her appointment, Damanaki stated that the European Union must adopt a reformist agenda in order to ensure its economic survival. Responsibilities: DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MARE), Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA). Competency changes: none.
Regional policy, Johannes Hahn (Austria, EPP). Hahn has been Minister for Science and Research since 2007. He has held positions in politics and management positions in the private sector, included in a gambling company. In response to his appointment, Hahn highlighted the importance of pursuing a cohesive policy with a particular emphasis on regional research activities aimed at enhancing Europe’s regions. Responsibilities: DG Regional Policy (REGIO). Competency changes: none
UPDATE - TOP JOBS IN BRUSSELS
November 24, 2009
Dear Colleague,
With the key players being nominated for the top posts in Brussels, Hill & Knowlton thought it would be useful to provide you with a snapshot of the latest state of play. I hope you find this useful and would be pleased to receive feedback on this and other bulletins we send.
With warmest wishes until the next update,
Elaine Cruikshanks
CEO
The top jobs in the European Commission and Council are rapidly being filled. Last week saw the appointment of the Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy as President of the Council, and Trade Commissioner Baroness Catherine Ashton as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and a Commission Vice-President. This week the list of nominees for the remaining 25 Commissioners to serve in the new College of Commissioners under President Barroso has been finalized.
President van Rompuy has been Belgium’s Prime Minister for less than a year and is seen to have effectively calmed down a highly agitated national political situation. The 62-year old has shown himself to be a low-key, self-effacing and pragmatic consensus builder – skills which should be useful in forging compromise among the 27. He is pro-European, but has spent little time on foreign policy issues and has attended only 6 summits to date. At his press conference upon appointment he said he would continue in his low-key style. This was also the essence of the criticism of van Rompuy – that he will be too easily dominated by the leaders of the larger Member States. He starts his job in January and the job is, according to the Treaty, to “...chair and drive forward the Council’s work…facilitate cohesion and consensus …ensure the preparation and continuity of the work of the European Council in cooperation with the President of the Commission” and to represent the EU externally. He will have his own cabinet, personal political advisors - over 20 according to Council sources - as well as the staff of the Council at his disposition. His work programme will be co-determined with the rotating 6 monthly EU Presidencies – currently with Sweden and in 2010 with Spain and Belgium. It is as yet unclear how the new President intends to set work programmes together with the rotating presidencies.
Baroness Catherine Ashton has spent the last year as Trade Commissioner. Before that she was Leader of the British House of Lords and was responsible for stewarding the Lisbon Treaty through the House. She is also known as a no-nonsense, no-flashiness type who prefers quiet diplomacy rather than grand-standing. One commentator stated that both appointments were a “… nod towards understated efficiency...” Like van Rompuy, her critics charge that she has little foreign policy experience. She counters this by pointing to the numerous summits and trade negotiations she has been involved with. Those who have worked with her say she is tough and decisive, and point to for example her important role in bringing India and the United States together in the Doha trade talks.
It has been suggested that the choice of Ashton reflects a new–found drive to strengthen the link between the EU’s economic strength and its diplomatic activities. Her new job - High Representative - means she stays part of the College of Commissioners as one of the Vice-Presidents, in addition to her Council role. The Treaty describes the responsibility as “…to conduct the Union's common foreign and security policy”… and contribute to “the development of that policy”. She starts her job on 1 December and will have direct control over the new EU’s External Action Service – the embryonic EU diplomatic service set to grow to 3,000 including Commission, Council and Parliament staff posted around the world. She will have a cabinet of advisors and it is rumored she will be taking a few of her current advisors with her, as well as adopt some of the staff working with Javier Solana. Her current duties as Trade Commissioner as said to be taken over by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner for the remainder of the term.
Who’s in? And who’s eying which job in the European Commission.
All countries have now appointed their Commissioners, but none of the jobs have been allocated yet. The nominations are as follows:
JOSE MANUEL BARROSO of Portugal will serve another term as President, and could construct a more dynamic, policy-driven role for himself. Latvia’s Andris Piebalgs, currently Energy Commissioner, will stay on and possibly in the same role. Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou from Cyprus is said to be in line for the first post of Fundamental Rights Commissioner. VIVIANE REDING from Luxembourg will remain for a second term, and is rumored to stay in the area she has been in the past 5 years, being given the new 'Digital' portfolio, with the addition of some internal market responsibilities, for example, on copyright. Slovenian Janez Potočnik, currently Science and Research Commissioner is also rumored to keep his current job. Finland’s Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn, will stay on but it’s unclear in which job. Estonian, SIIM KALLAS, stays on as Vice-President as Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud. Belgium’s Karel de Gucht, current Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner will stay on, though given the fact that another Belgian has become president of the Council, de Gucht might end up with a “lighter” post. Spain’s Joaquìn Almunia, currently Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner hopes to stay on in that position. Lithuanian Algirdas Semeta, Financial Programming and Budget Commissioner will likely retain the budget portfolio. Italian ANTONIO TAJANI, a Vice-President, may be reappointed and reportedly wants to keep his transport dossier. NEELIE KROES today secured the Dutch government's backing for a second term as European commissioner. This final nomination is expected to guarantee The Netherlands a heavyweight portfolio in the new Commission.
New Commissioners will include Germany’s candidate, Günther Oettinger, currently first minister for Baden-Württemberg who is said to be eyeing one of the three powerful economic posts: Enterprise and Industry or Economic Affairs. France’s Michel Barnier, a newly elected MEP and former Minister for Agriculture and former Commissioner, is rumored to be in line for the Internal Market and Services remit. Sweden’s Cecilia Malmström, currently European Affairs minister, is rumored to have been put forward for the Transport portfolio currently lead by Tadjani, an area which is expected to see a lot of legislation in light of the EU climate targets. Poland’s Janusz LEWANDOWSKI, an MEP, has been put forward and the Poles have targeted one of the big economic posts of Enterprise and Industry, Economic Affairs or Internal Market. Hungary’s László Andor is a new appointee and his projected portfolio is unclear. Austria has appointed Johannes Hahn, Science and Research Minister, and he is eying the Research post. Maire Geoghegan Quinn, is the candidate from Ireland and her current job as Member of the European Court of Auditors makes her a likely candidate for Budget Commissioner. The Czech Republic has put forward Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs said to be targeting the Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities portfolio. Bulgarian Foreign Minister, Rumiana Jeleva, has been put forward and is eyeing Mr Piebalgs’ energy portfolio. Romanian, Dacian Cioloş, former Agriculture Minister is hoping for the Agriculture dossier. Slovakian, Maros Šefčovič, is Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the EU and the portfolio he may get is unclear. Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has nominated its Climate and Energy Minister CONNIE HEDEGAARD to become Denmark's next European commissioner. Her nomination follows the Greek government’s announcement of MARIA DAMANAKI for European commissioner. Damanaki, a chemical engineer by training is said to be interested in Culture or Education dossiers. Today, Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi nominated JOHN DALLI, Minister for Social Policy, to be the country's next member of the European Commission.
What does it all mean? And what’s next?
Even before the jobs are divided up, a number of observations can be made. First, the new Commission will be more centre right than the previous one, with at least 13 of the 27 Commissioners expected to come from the centre-right – up from 10 in Barroso 1. Second, the number of women in the new College of Commissioners will decrease. Barroso 1 had 10 female Commissioners, but only 9 nominations for Barroso II are women. A lower or equivalent amount of women may not be well received in the Parliament, especially as President Barosso had been urged to increase the number.Third, there will be changes and innovations in portfolios. There will most probably be a new Digital Commissioner - dealing with technology and related issues. Another possible innovation will be the creation of a Directorate – but most likely not a Directorate-general - for Climate Change. But may also be a Climate Change Commissioner, though some believe this would create too many overlapping responsibilities with other Commissioners. Rumour has it that the Energy and Transport Directorate-General will be split into two separate DGs – each, as before, with its own Commissioner.
In the next few days, President Barroso will begin the task of matching the skills set of nominees, with the jobs and Directorates-general in the Commission. Invariably this will lead to frictions and disappointments, with some countries vying for, but not getting, the most heavy-weight jobs in the Commission.
New this year is the fact that there are more perceived heavy-weight responsibilities to divide. Energy, Transport, Research, Digital, Justice, Social Affairs and Fundamental Rights are now considered as important as the traditional top positions: Competition, Internal Market, Enterprise and Industry, Economic Affairs or Foreign Affairs.
Hearings in the European Parliament Committees are set to start on 11 January, with an approval vote set for 20 January for the entire Commission. The Parliament can of course reject the entire Commission, but not individual Commissioners. The latest news from the Parliament is that they have already sharpened their knives for one or two of the nominees, choosing to focus on past misdemeanors, but also lack of experience in the policy areas they are to lead. As in previous Parliamentary hearings, this may mean some delays. In the meantime, nominated Commissioners are already seeking personnel for their cabinets in order to be ready to move swiftly when the College takes office in early/mid February as expected.
H&K sponsored Britcham breakfast with David O’Sullivan
Hill & Knowlton was delighted to sponsor a September Britcham Breakfast at which the guest
speaker the EU Director General for Trade, David O’Sullivan. Mr O’Sullivan gave a frank and
practical update on the status of the WTO Doha Development round, EU-third country bilateral agreements, the impact of the economic crisis on global trade and of a new European Commission
on EU trade policy. He then took questions from the floor: an particularly lively, and business-
orientated, discussion ensued.
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Please see below for our latest press releases
27 May 2009 : “Trends Gazelles” recognizes exceptional growth - Hill & Knowlton International Belgium almost doubles turnover since 2003
Hill & Knowlton International Belgium s.a./n.v has been listed as one of the ‘Trends Gazelles’ for 2009. The 200 companies, which are awarded the name ‘Gazelle’ are a group of fast growing companies, selected annually by weekly economic magazine Trends/Trends-Tendances.