Amidst discussions within the government and consultations with the president of the European Commission, a fresh face has emerged as a nominee. Caretaker prime minister Mark Rutte declared, “After careful considerations, I have chosen Wopke Hoekstra as our candidate for the European Commission.”
Currently serving as Dutch foreign minister since 2022, Hoekstra steps into the spotlight. His nomination comes at a time when the Dutch coalition government, comprising four parties, recently collapsed due to disagreements over migration policies.
Notably, from 2017 to 2022, Hoekstra assumed the role of finance minister. During this period, he stood as a representative of the Netherlands during negotiations pertaining to the EU’s financial recovery following the pandemic. Among Brussels circles, he gained prominence for his vocal critiques of shared fiscal responsibility. Leading a coalition of “frugal” nations, he championed resistance against the issuance of collective debt, often referred to as “corona bonds.”
Before Hoekstra can officially take on this role, he must undergo a comprehensive hearing within the European Parliament. The outcome of this hearing will determine his eligibility.
Meanwhile, in the realm of EU politics, the recent resignation of Timmermans from the Commission has left a void. The successor is expected to carry forward the EU’s climate policy. Yet, President Ursula von der Leyen may choose to reassign the climate portfolio to another Commissioner.
Notably, socialist Maroš Šefčovič has been assigned the former responsibilities of Timmermans as the European Commission Vice-President for the Green Deal. However, the fate of the climate portfolio remains undecided.
Critically, Hoekstra’s affiliation with the right-leaning Christian Democratic Appeal party raises eyebrows. The European People’s Party (EPP), their political faction, has faced scrutiny for attempts to dilute and thwart significant EU climate policies.
The nomination of Hoekstra was met with reactions from different quarters. The Socialists & Democrats (S&D) group within the European Parliament asserted their claim to the climate portfolio. They labeled Hoekstra as a “controversial” candidate, highlighting their reservations about his stance.
“Wopke Hoekstra garnered attention across Europe during the Covid-19 crisis,” noted the S&D Group. They emphasized their expectation that any Commissioner-designate should unequivocally display commitment to European values, particularly solidarity, a cornerstone of the Union.
The stage is set for Hoekstra’s hearing in the European Parliament, anticipated to unfold in the early autumn. It’s a pivotal moment that holds implications for the European Commission’s future, especially concerning climate policies.