Dombrovskis will take on the EU Trade Commissioner duties until a replacement has been found for Phil Hogan, who decided to resign on August 26 following controversy regarding breach of COVID-19 rules imposed in Ireland. He attended an anniversary celebration of a golf club in Ireland last week, in violation of the restrictions imposed in Ireland due to the COVID-19 crisis.
"Last night Phil Hogan submitted his resignation from the post as Trade Commissioner. I respect this," said Ursula von der Leyen. "Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis will assume, ad interim, responsibilities for trade matters."
Ursula von der Leyen also called on other top EU officials to comply with security measures to stop the virus from spreading.
The EC Trade Commissioner is one of the most important positions in the European Commission. Dombrovskis will now be responsible for trade agreements with the world on behalf of the 27 countries of the European Union, as well as for the negotiations with Britain on trade relations after Brexit.
