Former Ecolo MEP Philippe Lamberts to take on advisory role in new European Commission
Former Ecolo MEP Philippe Lamberts is set to take on an advisory role in the new European Commission to assist with the implementation of the Green Deal, the EU's plan to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is keen to secure the support of the Greens by bringing Lamberts on board, De Tijd reports.
"They want to use me for something I am good at," Lamberts said. "I certainly want to help continue the Green Deal." He also sees himself as “the bridge builder between ecology and economy”.
His new position could begin as early as November, as Von der Leyen seeks to secure the support of the Greens to help guide her new Commission through the European Parliament.
'Bonus snatcher'
Lamberts, 61, is regarded as a "true green" figure. He trained as an engineer and worked for American tech giant IBM before moving into politics, where he spent 15 years and three terms as an MEP for Ecolo until this spring. He served as co-chair of the Greens.
Lamberts also made a name for himself on the legislative front, most notably by pushing back against high banker bonuses, which earned him the nickname “bonus snatcher” in the international press.
Having decided not to seek a fourth term as an MEP, Lamberts was clear that he intended to support the Greens' project in other ways. “By returning to the business world, by teaching, working at a think tank, or staying in politics at the European level, but in a different position,” he ssaid.
Philippe Lamberts © PHOTO PHILIPPE BUISSIN / HANS LUCAS
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