BRUSSELS — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has chosen Spanish Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera as her second-in-command, tasking her with overseeing a vast portfolio including climate and competition policy.
Ribera, a Socialist politician, will be the new commission’s “first executive vice president … responsible for a clean, just and competitive transition,” von der Leyen said Tuesday morning. “She will also be responsible for competition policy.”
She added: “She will guide the work to ensure Europe stays on track to stay on track for its goals set out in the Green Deal,” the European Union’s flagship climate policy package.
Like all commissioners-designate, Ribera will now face a confirmation hearing in the European Parliament.