The European Parliament’s plenary meeting has given its approval for the European Commission to appoint Bulgarian economist Iliana Ivanova as the new EU innovation and culture commissioner.
EU lawmakers voted to support Ivanova’s candidacy, with 522 votes in favor, 51 abstentions and 27 votes against.
The approval comes as no surprise: Ivanova didn’t get into trouble during her hearing in front of a select group of lawmakers from the industry and culture committees last week, after which lead members “unanimously agreed” that Ivanova is qualified for the job. The Parliament’s powerful Conference of Presidents subsequently closed the hearing process and put the nomination up for a vote in the plenary.
Ivanova, who was present during the vote in Strasbourg, thanked lawmakers for their trust.
In the appointment of a new European Commissioner, the bloc’s Parliament only has a consultative role. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will consider Parliament’s approval as she’s expected to formally appoint Ivanova next.
Ivanova takes over the portfolio from former EU innovation commissioner Mariya Gabriel, who resigned in May.