Baku, November 6, AZERTAC

The European Parliament (EP) on Tuesday gave the greenlight for Bulgaria’s Ekaterina Zaharieva to become European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation in the second von der Leyen Commission, which will run through 2029, reports the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). Zaharieva’s nomination was approved by seven out of eight political group coordinators for the EP Industry, Research and Energy Committee after a confirmation hearing at the EU legislature. The far left was the only force that did not approve her bid.

The news was reported to BTA by MEP Eva Maydell (GERB/European People's Party), who sits on the Committee. “I am glad to note that Mrs Zaharieva was backed by a large majority as she was supported by the main coordinators for the committee and the main political groups,” Maydell said. According to her, the coordinators were very impressed by Zaharieva’s performance during the hearing. “Even the party of the left, which said it could not support the nomination for political reasons, expressed appreciation of the answers given during today’s hearing. By the way, they have not supported any of the candidates so far, which means that this has nothing to do with Mrs Zaharieva’s bid specifically,” the Bulgarian MEP said.

She also said the other coordinators as well as the MEPs who asked the questions were impressed by the concreteness of the answers and the fact that Zaharieva managed to go into depth. “She proved that she understands and knows the big picture which stands as a challenge to Europe, because she gave very concrete answers on some geopolitical topics and issues as well,” Maydell noted.

Zaharieva outlined her key priorities, including strengthening the European Research Area with a new legislative act; increasing investment in innovation and research from 2.3% to 3% of GDP; a comprehensive strategy for start-ups and the establishment of a European Forum, working with Ukrainian researchers and educators; increasing the role of women to an equal 50%.

Twenty-three Bulgarian journalists and over 40 MEPS from various political groups attended the hearing. Zaharieva's presentation was followed by statements by coordinators of the political groups in the European Parliament.