Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, designated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to oversee crisis management, reacted on Tuesday to her proposed post in the new Commission, describing it as a “huge responsibility.”
“The number of disasters and wars is increasing. They know no borders and have an immense impact on the population, especially women and children. The European Union must be able to respond quickly, effectively, and in unity,” said Ms. Lahbib, expressing gratitude for Ms. Von der Leyen’s trust.
Lahbib will focus on the EU’s resilience and preparedness for crises and civil protection, following in the footsteps of Louis Michel, who held a similar portfolio in José Manuel Barroso’s first Commission (2004-2009). He, like Lahbib, was also a former foreign minister.
Lahbib's role will involve managing crises both inside and outside the EU. She said she would address issues like climate change, migration, development cooperation, and public health, stressing that effective communication with fellow commissioners is crucial.
In the Commission’s organisational chart, Lahbib will fall under Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparedness Roxana Minzatu, and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
Von der Leyen is set to hold an initial meeting with the new candidate-commissioners on Wednesday in Brussels.
“I will use all my energy to enhance our capacity to help those in need, both within and outside Europe, and to fight for equal rights for everyone,” Lahbib added.
Before officially becoming a Commissioner, Lahbib must successfully complete a hearing at the European Parliament. The schedule for the hearings of the various candidates has yet to be determined, but Lahbib intends to meet with several stakeholders, as she has done in her two-year tenure as Foreign Minister.
