Denmark Nominates Dan Jørgensen as EU Commissioner Ahead of 2025 Presidency
Denmark has officially nominated Dan Jørgensen, the country’s former Minister for Climate and Energy, to join the European Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the nomination on Wednesday, just days before the deadline for EU member states to submit candidates.
Jørgensen, a Social Democrat with extensive experience in both Danish and European politics, is expected to play a significant role in the next European Commission. However, the specific portfolio he will hold has yet to be determined. His nomination is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle in Denmark, which also saw the creation of a new Minister for the European Union, a role designed to prepare for Denmark’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU in the latter half of 2025.
“I am confident that Dan Jørgensen will be an excellent commissioner for both Denmark and Europe in an increasingly troubled world,” Prime Minister Frederiksen stated during a press conference.
She emphasized that Denmark has been in close communication with von der Leyen to ensure that the country plays a central role in the new Commission.
Jørgensen began his political career in 2004 as a Member of the European Parliament, where he served until 2013. During his time in Brussels, he served as vice-chair of the environment committee, laying the groundwork for his subsequent appointment as Denmark’s Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries in 2013. He later became Minister for Climate and Energy in 2019, a role he held until 2022 before leading the ministry responsible for development cooperation and global climate policy.
Jørgensen’s background makes him a strong candidate for the Commission’s energy or climate portfolio. However, competition for such positions is expected to be fierce, with other candidates, including Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera, being considered for key roles in the EU’s green agenda.
Denmark’s decision to nominate Jørgensen without a female counterpart contradicts von der Leyen’s request that member states submit both male and female candidates to promote gender balance within the Commission. Jørgensen’s nomination brings the current total to 17 male and 6 female candidates, including von der Leyen herself.
Jørgensen’s nomination now moves to the next stage, where he will face a vetting process and require approval from the European Parliament before assuming his role as an EU Commissioner. The new Commission is expected to be established by November, following hearings in September and October.
Denmark’s outgoing EU Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, has been known for her rigorous enforcement of competition rules and hefty fines against tech giants for anti-competitive practices.
Politico, Reuters and Energywatch contributed to this report.
