Today’s Movers & Shakers are about: Two new Directors appointed at the Commission’s Secretariat-General, Belgium’s government formation puzzle continues, Danish minister for immigration and integration goes on parental leave, and more!
European Parliament
The European Parliament is in recess over the summer holidays from 27 July to 23 August 2020.
European Commission
Directorates-General and Services
Communications Networks, Content and Technology (CONNECT)
Khalil Rouhana has replaced Claire Bury as Deputy Director-General in charge of Directorates B, D, F, G & I in an acting capacity. Bury had moved to the role of Deputy Director-General at DG SANTE at the beginning of July.
Max Lemke replaces Nikolaos Isaris as Head of Unit E4 (Internet of Things). Isaris had been performing the role in an acting capacity.
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MARE)
Anna Zito replaces Elisa Roller as Head of Unit D3 (CFP and Structural Support, Policy Development and Coordination) in an acting capacity while continuing in her role as Deputy Head of Unit D3.
Secretariat General (SG)
Martine Deprez (BE) has been appointed Director of Directorate B (Decision-making and Collegiality). Deprez, who is currently Head of Unit B4 (Working Methods and Decision-making Process), will replace outgoing Director Jordi Ayet Puigarnau on 1 September.
In addition to Deprez’s appointment, the Commission has also appointed Michael Wimmer (AT) to the function of Director of Directorate A (Strategy, Better Regulation and Corporate Governance) as of 1 September. Wimmer is currently Head of Unit A3 (Multiannual Financial Framework and Annual Management Cycle).
Public Affairs
Equinor
The Norwegian oil and gas group has appointed Anders Opedal as chief executive effective from 2 November. Opedal, who is currently executive vice president for technology, projects and drilling, will replace Eldar Saetre who retires after more than 40 years.
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National News
Belgium
The two main political parties, the Flemish nationalist party N-VA (EFA) and Francophone Socialist Party (PES) may have reached a compromise, agreeing that N-VA would be able to split the country while the Socialist Party was assured that a potential future government would pursue a more left-wing socio-economic policy. The two parties have now invited the Flemish Socialists and Christian Democrats to be part of a five-party coalition. It is likely that the final coalition partner could be either the Flemish Liberals or the Greens.
Belgium has been run by a caretaker government since December 2018 when the government of former prime minister Charles Michel collapsed over inter-party tensions on migration. Federal elections in May 2019 failed to break the impasse and since then the country has been run by a minority coalition led by prime minister Sophie Wilmès of the Reform Movement party (ALDE).
Parliament will reconvene on 17 September for a vote of confidence in the current government.
Denmark
Minister for immigration and integration, Mattias Tesfaye is on parental leave for a month and a half from 17 August until 27 September. During his absence, building and housing minister Kaare Dybvad, will take over his ministerial duties.
Romania
The Social Democratic Party (PES) have announced they intend to file a motion of no-confidence against Ludovic Orban’s National Liberal Party (EPP*) government over incompetence in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. The vote could take place the week starting 24 August and will require 233 votes to bring down the government. Given the Social Democratic Party holds only 210 seats in parliament, it would need support from smaller opposition parties.
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