On 17th September, Ursula Von der Leyen, the re-elected President of the European Commission, officially announced the list of officials who will make up the College of Commissioners for her new five-year term.
Among the 26 commissioners are several leaders with key backgrounds in the transition towards electromobility and climate policies.
Here’s a compilation by Mobility Portal Europe of those who have shaped their careers around sustainable transport.
Teresa Ribera
Currently as the Third Vice-President and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge in Spain, Ribera will assume the role of Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Clean Transition.
Throughout her career, Ribera has been a key figure in the fight against climate change, driving regulations such as the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law.
Under her leadership, crucial decarbonization initiatives like the National Energy and Climate Plan have been implemented.
Her international experience in climate negotiations and her commitment to the transition to clean energy make her a fundamental advocate for electromobility in Europe.
For this reason, prominent figures in the sector, such as Arturo Perez de Lucia Gonzalez, General Manager of the Business Association for the Development and Promotion of the Electric Vehicle (AEDIVE) and Vice-President of the European Electric Vehicle Association (AVERE), have expressed their approval of Ribera, stating that she will ensure Europe continues to meet its Green Deal objectives.
Maroš Šefčovič
Maroš Šefčovič, a seasoned Slovak diplomat and prominent figure in EU policymaking, has been appointed to a dual role as Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.
This new portfolio will include overseeing customs policy, while for his second role, he will report directly to the President of the European Commission.
Šefčovič’s expertise in fostering economic growth and navigating complex EU negotiations makes him particularly well-suited for these crucial tasks.
His connection to electromobility is evident in his recent leadership in key policy discussions, such as the proposal on EU-UK rules of origin for electric vehicles and batteries.
Šefčovič played a vital part in securing a one-off extension until 2026 for the current rules, protecting the competitiveness of the EU’s electric vehicle sector and safeguarding jobs.
He also announced 3 billion euros in financial support to boost Europe’s sustainable battery production, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the battery industry and aligning it with the European Green Deal’s goals.
By balancing trade security with sustainability, Šefčovič is driving forward initiatives that support the development of clean energy technologies, ensuring the EU remains at the forefront of the green transition.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Governor of Central Macedonia, has been appointed to lead the Transport and Tourism portfolio in the next European Commission.
With the responsibility for managing transport policies, his role will be key in integrating electric mobility solutions into public and private transport systems.
At the same time, he will be in charge of driving the development of the necessary infrastructure for EVs, and contributing to the European Union’s climate goals.
Jozef Síkela
Síkela, the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, is set to become the Commissioner for International Partnerships, where he will lead the work on the Global Gateway, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships that invest in a shared future.
Síkela has also become a central figure in the push for sustainable transportation, with a strong focus on the promotion of electromobility.
As the government recently approved an update to the National Action Plan for Clean Mobility, Síkela stressed the importance of transforming the automotive sector—an economic backbone of the country—towards low-emission alternatives.
“We are focusing on the promotion of electromobility and vehicles running on alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane, as well as the development of adequate infrastructure for charging and refuelling stations,” Síkela stated.
“This will help us reduce energy intensity, improve environmental protection, and meet our decarbonization targets,” he added.
Other representatives of the new European Commission
The new European Commission chosen by Ursula Von der Leyen features five more Executive Vice-Presidents apart from Ribera, which are: Henna Virkkunen (Tech-Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy), Stéphane Séjourné (Prosperity and Industrial Strategy), Kaja Kallas (Foreign Affairs), Roxana Mînzatu (People, Skills, and Preparedness), and Raffaele Fitto (Cohesion and Reforms).
Moreover, there are more Commissioners than the previously mentioned: Valdis Dombrovskis handles Economy, Productivity, and Simplification, as Dubravka Šuica is responsible for Mediterranean affairs, and Olivér Várhelyi leads Health and Animal Welfare.
Wopke Hoekstra takes on Climate and Clean Growth, and Andrius Kubilius focuses on Defence and Space.
Next, Marta Kos has been nominated for Enlargement, Costas Kadis oversees Fisheries and Oceans and Maria Luís Albuquerque will lead Financial Services, while Hadja Lahbib focuses on Crisis Management.
Magnus Brunner will manage Internal Affairs and Migration, Jessika Roswall will handle Environment and Circular Economy, and Piotr Serafin will oversee Budget and Public Administration.
Finally, Dan Jørgensen will lead Energy and Housing, Ekaterina Zaharieva focuses on Research and Innovation, Michael McGrath manages Democracy and Rule of Law, and Christophe Hansen will be in charge of Agriculture and Food, while Glenn Micallef will oversee Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, and Youth.
