Former Member of the European Parliament Philippe Lamberts (Ecolo) is in talks with the European Commission to become an environmental policy advisor, he confirmed to Belga on Thursday.
The Financial Times reported that Lamberts’ role would involve "building bridges" between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, environmental advocates, farmers, and businesses. The newspaper cited sources within the Commission.
Philippe Lamberts stated that "nothing is final" but that discussions are ongoing. Lamberts served in the European Parliament until early June but did not run in the 9 June elections. He completed three terms and was a long-time co-leader of the Greens/EFA group.
"If I can contribute to the climate cause and put my political capital at the service of the transition, that is all I could ask for," he told Belga about his potential new assignment. He may start in November.
Ursula von der Leyen secured the support of part of the Greens faction for her reappointment as Commission President in July. She may need their backing again when the full Commission’s appointment is voted on later this year. The Greens have no designated portfolio in the new Commission, after disappointing election results.
