The announcement about the Swedish commissioner's tasks in the new commission will be made at a press conference in Strasbourg with President Ursula von der Leyen.
She will have an important job to help preserve our environment and achieve balance in nature. She will develop a more sustainable and competitive economy. And she will lead the work on water resistance. It is a high priority for the work we have ahead of us, says von der Leyen.
Roswall herself calls herself "extremely pleased".
This is an incredibly important portfolio, for the green transition and Europe's competitiveness. It's something we've been hoping for, she says at a brief press conference in Strasbourg.
Much to Learn
Among other things, forestry issues are included – a dear subject for the Swedish government, which has been worried that EU regulations will restrict Swedish forest owners' freedom of action.
Environmental issues are otherwise not something she has been deeply involved in, more than in her general role as EU minister. This means she has a lot to read up on before the upcoming hearings in the European Parliament.
I know quite a lot, I think, given that it's one of the issues we worked hard on during the Swedish presidency (of the EU Council last spring). But there's a lot for me to get into – that's entirely true, says Roswall.
Not Surprised
In the EU Commission, she will work closely with, among others, the Dutch Wopke Hoekstra, who is responsible for climate, and the Spanish Teresa Ribera, who is executive vice president with responsibility for a "clean and fair transition".
Exactly who will take care of what is not yet certain.
Prior to this, it was mainly speculated that Roswall would get responsibility for the internal market, expansion, trade, or defense. Yet, she doesn't want to say she's surprised.
No, I'm very pleased with the portfolio, that it contains so much substance and things to take on. Now it's just a matter of rolling up our sleeves.
Tough Hearings
The candidates now face tough weeks with intense scrutiny and hearings in the European Parliament's various committees. It's highly likely that one or more will be replaced during the process if they're not deemed suitable – or simply don't gather enough political support.
At the earliest on November 1 – but likely not until December – the new EU Commission is expected to take office.
This is what the next EU Commission is expected to look like:
Germany: Ursula von der Leyen – President
Estonia: Kaja Kallas – Vice President and Foreign Minister
Finland: Henna Virkkunen – Executive Vice President for Technological Security, Independence, and Democracy
France: Stephane Séjourné – Executive Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy
Italy: Raffaele Fitto – Executive Vice President for Cohesion and Reforms
Romania: Roxana Minzatu - Executive Vice President for People, Skills, and Preparation
Spain: Teresa Ribera – Executive Vice President for Clean and Competitive Transition
Belgium: Hadja Lahbib – Crisis Management and Equality
Bulgaria: Ekaterina Zacharjeva – Research and Innovation
Cyprus: Costas Kadis – Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
Denmark: Dan Jörgensen – Energy and Housing
Greece: Apostolos Tzitzikostas – Transport and Tourism
Ireland: Michael McGrath – Democracy and Justice
Croatia: Dubravka Suica – Mediterranean Affairs
Latvia: Valdis Dombrovskis – Economy and Productivity
Lithuania: Andrius Kubilius – Defense and Space
Luxembourg: Christophe Hansen – Agriculture
Malta: Glenn Micallef – Youth, Culture, and Sport
Netherlands: Wopke Hoekstra – Climate and Clean Growth
Poland: Piotr Serafin – Budget and Public Administration
Portugal: Maria Luis Albuquerque – Financial Affairs and Investments
Slovakia: Maros Sefcovic – Trade and Economic Security
Slovenia: Marta Kos – Expansion
Sweden: Jessika Roswall – Environment, Water, and Competitive Circular Economy
Czech Republic: Jozef Síkela – International Partnerships
Hungary: Olivér Várhelyi – Health and Animal Protection
Austria: Magnus Brunner – Home Affairs and Migration
Note: Kos' candidacy has not yet been formally approved by the Slovenian Parliament.
The purpose of a circular economy is to save natural resources and reduce environmental impact by using raw materials more efficiently and sustainably.
In a circular economy, products are designed to last as long as possible. When they eventually break, they should be repaired, remade into something else, or recycled to a greater extent. Products should be made from recycled or biobased raw materials and eventually recycled.
A circular economy also involves offering repair services and making products available for rent or sharing.
Source: The Environmental Protection Agency
