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Austria plans to nominate Hahn as next EU commissioner

He could stay in charge of Neighborhood and Enlargement policies

12 July, 18:02
(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 12 JULY - Austrian Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein announced Vienna plans to nominate the current European Commissioner in charge of Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, as the country's representative in the next EU Commission. Bierlein, who heads a transitional government until a parliamentary election scheduled for Sept. 29, said in a statement she had reached the decision after the approval of the parties in Austrian parliament.

The designation should be official in the coming days after a final debate at the Austrian Parliament. For Hahn it would be the third consecutive term as EU commissioner in Brussels. "I am pleased with the confidence expressed by Chancellor Bierlein. I would certainly be available for the duration of the future mandate," the Commissioner wrote on Twitter. Sources close to him told ANSA that Hahn's dedication shown to the Enlargement portfolio, his experience and the remarkable results obtained with the Western Balkans could end up to the prolongation of his mandate in the position he currently holds.

The 61-year-old from the center-right Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) is currently in charge of the bloc's Neighborhood and Enlargement policies. He was first appointed to become Austria's Commissioner in 2010 when he oversaw regional policy under the second Barroso's Commission.

(ANSA).

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