Maryia Gabriel to Be Allocated the Portfolio of Digital Economy and Society

The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker proposed that the candidate for Commissioner from Bulgaria, Maryia Gariel, take up the portfolio of Digital Economy and Digital Society, the European Commission press service said on on 16^th of May. Juncker's proposal was presented after he had interviewed Gabriel in a meeting in the European Parliament in Strasbourg earlier today.

The European Commsion President Jean-Claude Juncker announced his intention to allocate the Digital Economy and Society portfolio to Mariya Gabriel, the candidate for Commissioner from Bulgaria, the EC press release said.

President Jean-Claude-Juncker interviewed Mariya Gabriel, the candidate proposed by the Bulgarian Government as Commissioner to replace former Member of the Commission Kristalina Georgieva. On this basis, President Juncker confirmed the competencies of Mariya Gabriel required under Article 17(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) to become candidate for Commissioner and announced his intention to allocate the Digital Economy and Society portfolio to her, the announcement says.

The Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society will support the implementation of the Digital Single Market Strategy that the European Commission adopted in May 2015 and on the basis of which it presented a mid-term review on 10^th of May. She will contribute to delivering a Digital Single Market helping to lay the groundwork for Europe's digital future with pan-continental telecoms networks, digital services that cross borders and a wave of innovative European start-ups, the press release goes on.

A Mission Letter sent today by President Juncker to Mariya Gabriel details her main tasks and responsibilities as Commissioner in charge of the Digital Economy and Society.

President Juncker also informed Prime Minister Borissov of his choice for the portfolio he intends to allocate to Mariya Gabriel.

New Commissioners are appointed by the Council of the EU by common accord with the President of the Commission after consultation of the European Parliament.

President Juncker is sending today a letter to Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament informing the latter of his intention to allocate to Mariya Gabriel the responsibility for the Digital Economy and Society portfolio. This letter is sent in copy to Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta, currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

From the moment the Council formally consults the European Parliament, Mariya Gabriel will be Commissioner-Designate. She will then have the right to draw on the relevant Commission services to prepare for her exchange of views with the European Parliament. Prior to her appointment by the Council, by common accord with the President of the Commission, she will not be taking part in College meetings.

The full text of the press release is availbale here: