Digital Portfolio at the European Commission

Whilst incoming President Ursula von der Leyen announced today that she would present her plans next Tuesday (10/09). Rumors are circulating about the new Commission.

A new Security and Defense department ("secdef")

The commission would propose a new departmentt (unit or Directorate General?) combining security, defense, space and (parts of) industrial policy. This department could be led by the digital department’s Director General Roberto Viola.

This unit would include at least part of the services’ units that deal with cybersecurity. Discussions are not closed, such a proposal would raise the political importance of cyber, Member States’ representative while critic say it would increase tension with countries wary of having the EU legislate on what they see as their national security prerogative.

About the Commissioner

Mariya Gabriel, currently (Bulgarian) commissioner for digital affairs, is in the running to get a digital and/or cybersecurity portfolio. However Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borrisov explained that Bulgaria would be offered agriculture. In parallel Mariya Gabriel is facing criticism over her performance from lobbyists and stakeholders in Brussels. It would be highly unusual for a commissioner to keep his portfolio for two terms.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, designate candidate for Lithuania, is currently national minister for economy and innovation. He could join in the race for this portfolio.