French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed resigned foreign minister Stéphane Sejournet for the post of European commissioner. His new role will focus on industrial and technological sovereignty as well as Europe's competitiveness, AFP reported, citing the Elysée Palace. This move comes after the unexpected resignation of Thierry Breton, quoted by BTA.
Sejourne, who was chairman of the group "Renew Europe" in the European Parliament, meets all the necessary requirements for the position, and his commitment to European affairs will allow him to fully support the new program for European sovereignty, added the Elysée Palace.
Macron stressed that from the French presidency of the EU Council in 2022 until his second speech at the Sorbonne in April 2024, France has always insisted on a key portfolio in the European Commission related to industrial policy and technology. The President also thanked Thierry Breton for his significant contribution to the development of European sovereignty policy in the field of digital technologies, defense and the strengthening of the single market during the COVID-19 crisis.