Today's Movers & Shakers are about: the new Maltese MEP, latest appointments in the European Commission and public affairs, Brexit and more.
European Parliament:
Incoming:
Zammit DIMECH won the election held on 18 July and is now due to replace Theresa CACHIA COMODINI (EPP, MT) as an MEP.
Political groups:
ECR: Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT (BE) and Branislav ŠKRIPEK (SK) became members of the Bureau, replacing Jana ŽITŇANSKÁ (SK).
Composition of the committees and delegations:
Substitutes:
Christelle LECHEVALIER (ENF, FR) joined the committee on employment and social affairs (EMPL), replacing Jean-François JALKH (ENF, FR).
Nicolas BAY (ENF, FR) joined the committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE).
Bas BELDER (ENF, NL) joined the committee on budgets (BUDG).
European Commission:
Commissioner's cabinets:
Cabinet of Vĕra JOUROVÁ: Wojtek TALKO joined the cabinet as Member and Communication Adviser.
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Directorates General:
Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI):
Directorate E – Rural Development I and pre-accession: Bruno CHAUVIN became Head of Unit 'Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia; broadband and inclusion'.
Directorate H – Assurance and Audit: Margaret BATESON became Head of Unit 'Competency centre for assurance and audit' replacing Bruno CHAUVIN. Ms BATESON's previous role as Head of Unit 'Expenditure on market measures' is currently being led by deputy Head Fernando DOMINGUEZ PERALS.
Research and Innovation (RTD):
Directorate G – Energy: Elena RIGHI STEELE became Head of Unit 'Fusion Energy' replacing Christopher IBBOTT who was acting in the role.
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF):
Directorate C – Investigation Support: Claire SCHARF-KRÖNER became Head of Unit 'Investigation Workflow' replacing Barbara BUHROVA who was acting in the role.
NEW: Commission Market Observatory:
On 20 July the Commission launched a market observatory for crops. The aim is to increase transparency and the availability of market data for those involved in the farming sector. An Expert Group will meet twice a year, chaired by the Commission. Information and analysis will be available on a dedicated website.
Missions to the EU:
Donald TUSK received letters of credentials to officially install the following as Ambassadors, Head of Mission:
Brunei: H.E. Mr Abu Sufian BIN HAJI ALI, replaced Siti Syazwana HARUN who was serving as Chargé d'Affaires.
Thailand: H.E. Mr Manasvi Srisodapol, replaced Piyapak SRICHAROEN who was serving as Chargé d'Affaires.
Turkmenistan: H.E. Mr Ata Oveznepesovich SERDAROV, replaced Merdan GAYYPOV who was serving as Chargé d'Affaires.
United Arab Emirates: H.E. Mr Mohamed Issa Hamad ABUSHAHAB, replaced Ghalia ALI HUMAIDAN who was serving as Chargé d'Affaires.
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Benin: H.E. Mr Richard Zacharie AKPLOGAN, replaced Charles Borrommée TODJINOU.
Swaziland: H.E. Mr Sibusisiwe MNGOMEZULU, replaced Joël Musa NHLEKO.
Bahamas: H.E. Ms Rhoda JACKSON, replaced Eldred Edison BETHEL.
News in a nutshell:
Brexit: The second round of the negotiation talks was resumed on Monday 17 July. UK Brexit Secretary David DAVIS was in Brussels for just one hour before heading back to London. The move sparked criticism from the Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir STARMER. However, European Commission spokesperson Margaritis SCHINAS said: "We do not consider this as a problem and we're not concerned about it. Read more.
The Lords EU committee expressed concerns about the allocation of responsibilities and powers to the devolved administrations, with the adoption of a “to-down approach” by Westminster. Read more.
In other news, Government and banking officials from Germany and France are reportedly working together to cut the City of London from the financial market post-Brexit. Read more.
EU chief negotiator Michel BARNIER and Brexit Secretary David DAVIS gave a press conference at the end of the second round of the negotiations. BARNIER said that there was a “fundamental divergence” between the two sides over the way the EU citizens’ rights will be guaranteed, but noted that “we are all moving forward in a common direction”. He also noted that the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to guarantee the citizens’ rights is “an obligation not a choice” and that any reference to the them implies ECJ oversight. The pair agreed to publish a joint paper on Thursday, setting out the points of convergence. The next round of negotiations will be about clarity on key issues, such as the Common Travel Area with Ireland, BARNIER said.
