Press statement by President von der Leyen on the resignation of Phil Hogan - Main contents

Good morning,

Last night Phil Hogan i submitted his resignation from the post as Trade Commissioner.

I respect this. I am very grateful to Phil Hogan for his tireless and successful work as a Commissioner and as a member of the College.

I thank him warmly for his valuable contribution to the work of the Commission, not only in this mandate, but also in the previous mandate, when he was Commissioner in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Over the past days, I discussed with Phil Hogan about his movements in Ireland, in light of information that emerged regarding respect of public health guidelines in Ireland.

In the current circumstances, as Europe fights to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and Europeans make sacrifices and accept painful restrictions, I expect the members of the College to be particularly vigilant about compliance with applicable national or regional rules or recommendations.

In accordance with Article 246 of the Treaty, it is up now to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for a Commissioner of Irish nationality. As in the past, I will invite the Irish government to propose a woman and a man.

Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis i will assume, ad interim, responsibilities for trade matters. At a later stage, I will decide on the final allocation of portfolios in the College of Commissioners.

Thank you.