EU Research Commissioner Mariya Gabriel hands in resignation

Mariya Gabriel has resigned from her post as European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth on 15 May. She cited her new mandate in Bulgaria as the reason for her resignation.
Marton Kottmayer,
EuChemS

Mariya Gabriel was the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth since 2019. In this capacity, she was responsible for a wide range of science-policy related EU projects. EuChemS is involved in a number of such projects. She introduced the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (COARA) agreement, of which EuChemS is a signatory of, she headed the Horizon Europe programme, and the recent consultation concerning its future, as well as the European University Alliance, alongside a number of other relevant responsibilities.

Gabriel resigned from her post, after receiving formal mandate from the Bulgarian President, to negotiate a coalition for the new government of the country. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen released a statement on Gabriel’s resignation, acknowledging her hard work as commissioner, and highlighting her role in the successful implementation of the Horizon Europe programme.

The Commissioner’s duties will be taken over by Vice President Margrethe Vestager and Vice President Margaritis Schinas. The former be responsible for the areas of research and innovation, while the latter will take over education, culture and youth. According to protocol, Bulgaria should be nominating the next person for this position, however as a new Commission is elected next year, it is possible that until then, no replacement will be named.

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