Olli Rehn becomes EU’s Economic Commissioner

President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso has named Doctor Olli Rehn as the next EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen was very pleased with the portfolio given to Olli Rehn. ”I consider the field of responsibilities of the Economic Commissioner one of the largest in the Commission. It will continue to grow in the near future when the Member States are to coordinate their exit and growth policies and carry out the reform of the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs”, he said.

”This portfolio proves great confidence in Mr Rehn's abilities. He will also have a very strong position within the Commission both in terms of his responsibilities and experience. Finnish efforts to influence the nominations proved to be a success”, Prime Minister Vanhanen was pleased to point out.

The Commission nominations must gain approval from the European Parliament. Commissioners-designate will appear in individual hearings before Parliamentary committees between 11 and 19 January 2010.

Press release of the European Commission on the portfolios: 

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1837&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en (Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)