Frans Timmermans will leave the European Commission to run for the leadership of the combined Labour and Green Left parties in a Dutch national election in November, newspaper De Volkskrant reported on Thursday (20 July).
Timmermans, a member of the Dutch Labour party, has informed the commission of his decision, the paper said. Labour and Green Left have decided to join forces in the 22 November vote, in a bid to stem a decline in support for left-leaning parties.
The commission declined to comment on the report, which said the Dutch politician would announce his candidacy in Maastricht later on Thursday.
Timmermans, 62, serves as the European Commission’s vice president, and is in charge of the EU’s Green Deal – its wide-ranging package of policies on climate change and the environment.
He is also a well-known figure in the Netherlands, having served as foreign minister in 2012-2014 in the previous cabinet of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Timmermans had been tipped as a top candidate to lead the Dutch parties following his campaign for European social democrats in the 2019 European election, which was widely regarded as a success.
Timmermans, who speaks English, German, French, Italian and Russian in addition to his native Dutch, is known as a skilled negotiator during international climate negotiations and his departure from EU politics will cause shockwaves.
How well he may perform in Dutch politics is an open question, but a poll published on Thursday indicated that 39% of Dutch voters said they trusted him to lead the next government.
Reactions
Michael Bloss, climate policy spokesman for the Greens in the European Parliament, praised Timmermans for his role in shaping the European Green Deal.
“With Timmermans’ move to the top of PvdA-GroenLinks, the EU Commission loses the visionary master builder of the Green Deal. He tirelessly fought against the fossil lobby and the opponents of European climate protection. The successes of the Green Deal are historic. He has done a lot for a greener and fairer future. One can only wish that for the Netherlands.”
Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation, was also full of praise for the Dutchman.
“Frans Timmermans was a key figure in the climate fight both at the EU level with the Green Deal and at the international level during key discussions on Loss and Damage. I’m thankful for his work and leadership – the European Green Deal is strong and is demonstrating benefits in the fight against climate change. His legacy will continue with the Commission for European citizens.”
Niels Fuglsang, a Danish Member of the European Parliament for the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), was equally full of praise.
“Timmermans has launched the biggest set of climate laws the world has ever seen. This is a remarkable legacy and will deliver green results for decades to come. He will be an excellent candidate for the Netherlands and can champion European climate ambition as future prime minister.”
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