Karmenu Vella, new EU-commissionair Environment

BRUSSELS – In the new team that EC-president Jean-Claude Juncker a number of portfolios have been reshaped. Jean-Claude Juncker has formed a Commission mainly consisting of professional politicians. On water the main politicians are new.

Karmenu Vella
The Environment and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries portfolios have been combined under Karmenu Vella (64) to reflect the twin logic of ‘Blue’ and ‘Green’ Growth.
Commissioner Vella is a Malthese politician, member of the Labour party. Although educated in tourism, Vella is a professional politician for years now. More information on Vella.

Miguel Arias Cañete
The same logic has been applied in deciding to establish one Commissioner in charge of both Climate Action and Energy policy. Juncker has placed them under Spanish politician Miguel Arias Cañete (64). Cañete is a member of the ‘People’s party’, and has been in politics for a long time.