Bulgaria gets Innovation and Youth portfolio in new EC

European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission, the Commission said in a press release.

"Mariya Gabriel (Bulgaria) is a current European Commissioner. She worked with dedication and energy on the digital portfolio, and is now moving on to create new perspectives for the young generation (Innovation and Youth' portfolio)," the Commission said.

As a next step, the European Parliament has to give its consent to the entire College of Commissioners, including the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. This is preceded by hearings of the Commissioners-designate in the relevant Parliamentary committees, in line with Parliament's Rules of Procedure. Once the European Parliament has given its consent, the European Council formally appoints the European Commission,

The new commissioners are expected to take office on November 1, 2019 for a term ending on October 31, 2024.

The new European Commission taking office in two months will boost its fight against climate change by making it a top portfolio to be handled by Frans Timmermans, AFP reported.

Timmermans, a 58-year-old Dutchman and veteran Brussels official, will be a lieutenant to incoming Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who has made cutting carbon emissions a key priority of her executive for the next five years. His official title will be executive vice president for a "European Green Deal", von der Leyen told a news conference.