New EU commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth proposed

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed Iliana Ivanova as the new Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. She would be in charge of implementing the EU's research and development programme and would succeed Mariya Gabriel, who is returning to Bulgarian politics.

Bulgarian Iliana Ivanova has been a member of the European Court of Auditors since 2013. She was elected to the European Parliament in 2009, where she was vice-chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control. She was chosen over Daniel Lorer, who is also a member of the Bulgarian Parliament. The President's nomination must now be confirmed by the European Parliament. If appointed, her mandate would end next year after the EU elections, which will take place between 6 and 9 June 2024.

"Her experience will be crucial in driving forward the implementation of the EU's flagship research programme, Horizon Europe, making more efficient use of EU research spending and achieving greater impact on the ground," said von der Leyen.

The full statement of the President can be found here.