Romania finally has a European Commissioner

The new president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has accepted the nomination of Adina Vălean, an experienced MEP, as Romania’s new commissioner.

The nomination Mrs Vălean comes after two previous Romanian nominations, Rovana Plumb and Dan Nica, had been rejected on grounds of compatibility.

Mrs Vălean was put forward for the commission post by Romania’s new Liberal-led government, which took office on November 4. She is a member of the Liberal party and an ally of the country’s new prime minister, Ludovic Orban.

Aside from the UK, whose EU membership status remains in limbo, Romania was the only member state not to have had a commissioner confirmed. As result, the commission was unable to assume office on November 1 as scheduled. It is now likely to begin work on December 1, following a confirmatory vote in the European Parliament.

Mrs Vălean is expected to take the transport portfolio in the new EU executive.