September 10 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria's Mariya Gabriel, current EU digital economy commissioner, has been designated to hold the innovation and youth portfolio in the next European Commission, to be headed by president-elect Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission said on Tuesday.
Gabriel worked with dedication and energy on the digital portfolio, and is now moving on to create new perspectives for the young generation, the Commission said in a statement after Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and the structure of the next EU's executive body in Brussels.
"This team will shape the European Way: we will take bold action against climate change, build our partnership with the United States, define our relations with a more self-assertive China and be a reliable neighbour, for example to Africa," Ursula von der Leyen said.
The Commission's Youth Strategy aims to facilitate long-term synergies between policies and programmes in culture, education, health, social inclusion, media, employment and youth to promote creativity and innovation.
As a next step, the European Parliament has to give its consent to the entire College of Commissioners. Once the European Parliament has given its consent, the European Council formally appoints the European Commission.