Estonian PM proposes to name Kadri Simson candidate for European Commissioner

Kadri Simson. Photo: Matti Kämärä

Upon the suggestion of Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas, a proposal to name Kadri Simson of the senior coalition partner Center Party as the candidate for European Commissioner for the next iteration of the commission as well as the current one, should the seat of the Estonian Commissioner become vacant, will be discussed at tomorrow's meeting of the government.

The prime minister said that it is important for the European Commission to stand for a strong and united European Union, spokespeople for the government said. A strong and competent union is also in Estonia's best interests, Ratas noted in his proposal.

«Kadri Simson has long-term experience in cooperating with the European Commission and other institutions of the union. As minister of economic affairs and infrastructure, she managed the areas of the internal market, energy, and transportation in the Council of the European Union with competence, dedication, and great results,» Ratas said, adding that as a result of her work, she is well-known and valued among her colleagues in the government as well as institutions of the European Union.

In addition, the government requests from the board of the Riigikogu to allow the appointed candidate to give a presentation before the parliament on June 12, 2019. The government will submit Estonia's candidate for European Commissioner after the candidate has given a presentation at the Riigikogu.

A candidate for European Commissioner must meet the requirements set out in the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The term of the current European Commission will end on Oct. 31, 2019.

Members of the Commission are appointed for five years.