Think tank: unlikely for Jørgensen to secure EU climate role

Danish Climate Minister Dan Jørgensen is a potential candidate for the country’s new EU commissioner but is unlikely to secure a prominent position like climate commissioner, according to Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior analyst at the German Marshall Fund. Larger countries and candidates with more impressive resumes are ahead in line, with Spanish Climate Minister Teresa Ribera being a likely choice for the role, benefitting from a preference for gender balance by the re-elected Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Denmark’s decision-making process on the nomination is shrouded in secrecy, with no announcements expected this week. The late nomination could disadvantage Jørgensen with the deadline at the end of August. Kirkegaard notes the difficulty of Denmark securing a significant position due to its size and compared to the other Nordic female candidates. The approval process will also involve the EU Parliament, which has previously rejected three candidates in 2019.