The Dutch Foreign Minister, Wopke Hoekstra, who has been nominated by the country to take over the European Union’s climate change portfolio following the resignation of Frans Timmermans last week, announced on Friday that he had submitted his resignation to the King of the Netherlands.
Timmermans stepped down from his role in order to run in the Dutch elections.
Earlier this week, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union’s chief executive, suggested the appointment of Hoekstra as the Commissioner to the EU council and the European Parliament.
Hoekstra is expected to face a challenging confirmation process in the European Parliament, where he must receive a positive assessment and win a potentially close vote with majority support.
In his resignation statement, Hoekstra expressed his gratitude for being able to serve as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, stating, “As the EU Commissioner-designate for climate action, I will begin preparing for my work in Brussels.”
Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Hugh Lawson
Credit: The Star : News Feed
