Ekaterina Zaharieva nominated for European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

Ekaterina Zaharieva, nominated by the GERB-SDS for European Commissioner from Bulgaria, received the portfolio of European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation from President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

"We must put research and innovation, science and technology at the center of our economy," von der Leyen said. There are 11 women among the proposed 26 European Commissioners. All candidates will go through hearings with MEPs who must approve the applications. The next EU Commission is expected to take office by the end of 2024.

Ekaterina Zaharieva was Deputy Minister of Regional Development. She was minister in caretaker cabinets twice. She was also at the head of Bulgarian diplomacy.