New European commisioners nominated

The identity of a new European Union environment commissioner, who would have responsibilities within the next round of REACH registration (until 2018) has been revealed. It will be Malta’s Karmenu Vella, who has been a Maltese Tourism Minister.

Another important nomination is Poland’s Elżbieta Bieńkowska, who will become an internal market and entrepreneurship Commissioner. Her job combines the responsibilities of removing trade barriers within the EU and promoting industrial development: these jobs had previously been held by two separate commissioners.

Another appointment would be Portugal’s Carlos Moedas as Research and Innovation Commissioner, who will co-ordinate the Horizon 2020 innovation programme, which has a focus on novel coatings.

Announcing the nomination of his new team, Juncker said: "I am presenting the team that will put Europe back on the path to jobs and growth." The European Parliament will now send the nominee commissioners questionnaires about their planned future policies and the commissioners will be summoned to appear before parliamentary hearings in Brussels. Should MEPs be happy with what they hear, they will confirm the proposed commissioners in their jobs – to start work on November 1.

A novel aspect of the new Juncker Commission is it will have influential Vice Presidents (also Commissioners) responsible for co-ordinating broad policy areas favoured by the new Commission – most importantly economic growth and job creation.