The Austrian government nominated conservative Finance Minister Magnus Brunner as its next European Commissioner, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced.
Magnus Brunner is an experienced government politician with a high level of expertise in finance, economic and competition policy at national and European level.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she would invite member states to submit two names of candidates for commissioner, one male and one female. In nominating Brunner, Austria joins a number of countries, including France and Slovakia, that have rejected her request.
Countries are expected to propose candidates to the Commission in the coming weeks. After receiving the names, the EU will begin a months-long process of vetting candidates for conflicts of interest before EU lawmakers question them in hours-long hearings about their plans.
The candidacy of Austria’s 52-year-old Brunner still has to be formally endorsed by a cabinet decision and a main committee of the lower house of parliament. However, both ruling parties agreed, making those decisions largely a formality.
Austria’s next parliamentary elections will take place on 29 September, with the next EU Commission to be formed and operational by October.
Nehammer’s office stated that Brunner’s appointment was an independent decision, refuting reports that it was part of a package of appointments to be jointly agreed, including the appointment of the next governor of the Austrian National Bank.
Economy Minister Martin Kocher remains the favourite to head the central bank. Meanwhile, the term of office of the current governor Robert Holzmann runs until 31 August 2025.
