Vestager
re-appointed as EU Competition Commissioner
In
an unprecedented move, Margrethe Vestager has been appointed as both EU Commissioner
for Competition and Executive Vice-President responsible for co-ordinating the
Commission's agenda on a Europe fit for the digital age.
The
new College, announced on 10 September, will have eight Vice-Presidents, three
of whom will have a double role, like Margrethe Vestager.
Vestager’s
re-appointment to the role of Commissioner for Competition is an exceptional
vote of confidence in her abilities and has been welcomed by the competition bars
in Europe and the UK.
In
her first term of office, she can be credited for promoting greater awareness
of competition issues, many making headline news including in high profile
cases such as Google Shopping and Google Android and in state aid cases
involving individual tax arrangements.
In
my view the dual appointment does not present a conflict. It may also contribute
to policy cohesion provided that there is a clearly defined policy mandate for
the two roles.
The
change of Competition Commissioner does not usually signal a dramatic shift in focus
for DG Competition. If anything,
Vestager’s re-appointment to the role means that those operating in the digital
sector can expect continued scrutiny.
The
new European Commission takes office on 1 November 2019, subject to the
approval of the European Parliament.
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