The European Commission Sticks with U.S. Economist for Big Tech Oversight Role
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission has remained resolute in its decision to appoint U.S. economist Fiona Scott Morton to a senior position overseeing Big Tech, despite facing criticism from French ministers and EU lawmakers. The Commission is standing firm, stating that it will not reconsider the choice made by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager.
Scott Morton, the former chief economist at the U.S. Department of Justice during former President Barack Obama’s tenure, is set to begin her three-year term on September 1, taking over from Pierre Regibeau. As the first non-EU national, the first U.S. national, and the first woman appointed to the position, her selection marks a significant milestone.
The leaders of the four main political parties at the European Parliament recently sent a letter to Vestager, urging her to reconsider her decision. This request mirrors the earlier calls made by two French ministers. The concerns raised include the strategic importance of the role, potential conflicts of interest arising from Scott Morton’s previous work with Big Tech, and her publicly expressed views on antitrust matters.
Commission spokeswoman Dana Spinant swiftly dismissed the criticism during a daily press conference, stating, “The college endorsed the proposal to appoint this person to the position. The decision was made. We see no grounds to reconsider.”
However, the opposition to Scott Morton’s appointment extends beyond just French ministers and EU lawmakers. Manfred Weber, the head of the centre-right group European People’s Party, Stephane Sejourne, the president of the liberals’ group Renew Europe, Iratxe Garcia Perez, the head of the socialists group, and Philippe Lamberts and Terry Reintke, the heads of the green party, all voiced their opposition to the new hire.
To address concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Scott Morton will abstain from working on cases in which she had previously been involved or with companies she previously consulted for.
(This story has been corrected to change the quote to read ‘no grounds’ instead of ‘no wrong’, in paragraph 7)
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Jan Harvey
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
