It’s Official: Europe’s First Commissioner For Equality Will Be Maltese
A Maltese politician has been appointed the first ever European Commissioner wholly in charge of equality.
Helena Dalli passed a grilling at the European Parliament this afternoon, with more than two-thirds of MEPs voting in favour of her nomination and will now join European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen’s cabinet.
While the equality portfolio has traditionally formed part of a European Commissioner’s wider portfolio, von der Leyen decided that it should be its own separate portfolio.
Dalli certainly has experience in the role. As Malta’s Equality Minister between 2013 and 2019, she was responsible for drafting a wide range of reforms, such as civil unions, gay marriage and rights for trans people.
Congratulations @helenadalli on the excellent content and performance during @Europarl_MT hearing. #Malta is proud to have you as first @EU_Commission Commissioner for #Equality -JM @PL_Malta @PES_PSE @TheProgressives
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) October 2, 2019
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat praised Dalli for her performance at the grilling today, saying Malta is proud to have her as the first EU Commissioner for Equality.