PARIS, SEPT 16 – France will propose Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, to serve in the European Commission after the sudden resignation of Thierry Breton, an important figure in Brussels, said the office of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, today.
The Elysee Palace stated that Sejourne met all the criteria set, emphasizing his previous experience as leader of the liberal Renew group in the European Parliament.
It added he should handle a portfolio similar to Breton’s with a focus on industrial and technological sovereignty and European competitiveness, topics of particular importance to Macron.
Macron also thanked Breton, stating that he had ‘made a significant contribution to advancing European sovereignty policies in the digital field,’ including the bloc’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, as well as ‘supporting Europe’s industrial and defense technology policy’ and managing EU single market during the COVID pandemic.
Internal Market chief Breton announced today that he is resigning with immediate effect, claiming that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked Macron to withdraw Breton’s nomination as France’s representative on the commission. – AFP
