Iliana Ivanova: EU’s new commissioner for research and innovation

Bulgarian Member of European Court of Auditors, Iliana Ivanova, replaces Mariya Gabriel as EU’s New Commissioner for Research and Innovation

Bulgaria’s Iliana Ivanova, a member of the European Court of Auditors, has been appointed as the EU’s new commissioner for research and innovation after weeks of speculation surrounding the replacement for outgoing commissioner Mariya Gabriel, who stepped down from her position in May to form a new government coalition in Bulgaria.

EU’s new commissioner: Choosing Ivanova

The recently formed Bulgarian government coalition had put forth two candidates for the commissioner position.

However, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ultimately selected Iliana Ivanova over Daniel Lorer, a former tech investor and previous Bulgarian Minister for Innovation and Growth.

Von der Leyen’s decision was motivated by the desire to maintain the existing gender balance within the college of commissioners.

Prior to the announcement, speculations were rife in both Brussels and Sofia, with other female candidates, including Bulgarian MEP Eva Maydell, being considered for the position.

Relevant experience and commitment to the EU

Von der Leyen praised both Ivanova and Lorer for their relevant experience and unwavering dedication to the European Union and the role of commissioner.

Ivanova has been a member of the European Court of Auditors since 2013 and previously served as a vice chair of the budgetary control committee during her tenure in the European Parliament, where she was elected in 2009.

Crucial role in EU’s research program

Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of Ivanova’s experience in advancing the implementation of Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research program.

By utilising Ivanova’s expertise, the European Union aims to enhance the effectiveness of its research spending and achieve tangible outcomes.

The appointment of Ivanova as commissioner is subject to the formal approval of the European Parliament and her participation in an examination by the ITRE industry and research committee.

Challenges ahead for Horizon Europe

If approved by Members of the European Parliament, Ivanova will face significant tasks, including the ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020 and the midterm evaluation of Horizon Europe.

Additionally, she will briefly contribute to the initial stages of negotiations for the next EU Framework Programme for research and innovation. Ivanova’s term as commissioner will conclude next year, following the EU elections scheduled between 6 and 9 June.

 

Reshuffling of top EU positions

After Mariya Gabriel’s resignation, commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager temporarily assumed responsibility for the innovation and research portfolio.

Meanwhile, vice president Margaritis Schinas oversaw education, culture, and youth. However, Vestager’s temporary appointment sparked mixed reactions within the research community, as her focus appeared to lie more in competition policy and specific areas of deep tech innovation, rather than EU research funding.

Additionally, concerns arose within the research community regarding Bulgaria’s ability to overcome political turmoil and promptly appoint a commissioner ahead of the upcoming EU elections.

These concerns intensified when Vestager announced her intention to leave her position at the commission at the end of the year, aspiring to secure the top job at the European Investment Bank.

Gabriel’s current and future role

Mariya Gabriel currently serves as the deputy prime minister under Nikolay Denkov, a chemist and member of Bulgaria’s Academy of Sciences.

As per a power rotation agreement within the new coalition, she is slated to assume the role of prime minister after a nine-month period.