Slovenia has named Marta Kos as its new European Commissioner nominee, replacing Tomaž Vesel who dropped out of the race. This decision came after Ursula von der Leyen urged the government to nominate a female candidate to ensure gender parity in the upcoming Commissioners’ lineup. Kos, a former diplomat who has served as Slovenia’s ambassador to Germany and Switzerland, was unanimously approved by the government. This move is part of von der Leyen’s efforts to encourage EU member states to nominate more women for the Commission.
Initially, EU governments had largely ignored von der Leyen’s request for gender diversity in the candidates, with only a few female candidates in the running. However, Slovenia’s decision to replace Vesel with Kos, and Romania’s similar move, show a shift towards more gender-balanced representation in the Commission. This change comes after pressure from the Commission’s top ranks, resulting in a roster that currently has 17 men and 10 women vying for the 26 available spots. Bulgaria is the only country to have nominated both a male and female candidate, further improving the gender balance.
Marta Kos’s nomination as the new European Commissioner nominee for Slovenia comes just before von der Leyen is set to present the proposed structure of her new team to the European Parliament. Diplomatic sources suggest that von der Leyen plans to reward countries nominating female candidates with more significant policy portfolios. Kos’s previous diplomatic experience in Germany, Latvia, and Switzerland aligns with von der Leyen’s criteria of seeking competence and senior diplomatic experience in her team. This emphasis on experience and competence reflects the Commission chief’s efforts to create a diverse and effective team.
Von der Leyen’s push for gender balance in the Commission has led to significant changes in the lineup of candidates, with more women now in the running for leadership roles. The decision by Slovenia and other countries to nominate female candidates reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the EU leadership. Kos’s nomination highlights the importance of senior diplomatic experience and competence in shaping the future of the Commission. As von der Leyen prepares to unveil her new team and policy portfolios, the focus on gender parity and qualifications will be key factors in determining the success and effectiveness of the European Commission over the next five years.
In conclusion, Marta Kos’s nomination as Slovenia’s new European Commissioner nominee reflects a broader shift towards gender balance and competence in the EU leadership. Von der Leyen’s efforts to encourage member states to nominate female candidates have resulted in a more diverse and inclusive roster of Commissioners. Kos’s diplomatic experience and competence align with the Commission chief’s criteria for the next team, emphasizing the importance of senior diplomatic experience in shaping EU policy. As von der Leyen presents her proposed team structure to the European Parliament, the focus on gender parity and qualifications will be crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and success of the European Commission in the coming years.
