The newly appointed Foreign Minister, Ramona Mănescu, has announced there high chances that Romania might be compelled to propose a woman for the European Commissioner seat. However, the FM has not confirmed that Luminiţa Odobescu, Romania’s ambassador to the EU, will be proposed for this position, saying this is PM Dancila’s and President Iohannis’ calls.
“Of course, it’s highly probable that Romania has to nominate a woman. Only 13 positions for Commissioners have left, and10 of them must be assigned to women, according to the gender balance. Romania might be compelled to nominate a woman. Luminiţa Odobescu has a lot of expertise. Anything is possible. The premier and the president have a say on this, but it is important the future commissioner must have a lot of experience and must be a highly respected person in Brussels, and I think Luminita is respected,” Ramona Mănescu told Antena 3.
Mass media in Romania has reported that Luminiţa Odobescu would be PM Dancila’s proposal for the EC Commissioner on Romania’s behalf.
Last week, the premier announced that Romania might ask the regional policy portfolio again, considering that the term has not been concluded. She also argued that “a woman commissioner would be preferred for we’d obtain a much important portfolio“.
The next plenary session of the European Parliament is due on September 16. Romania had nominated Ioan Mircea Pascu as interim EC Commissioner to replace Corina Cretu, who held the Regional Policy portfolio.