EU Commission: Kroes to appoint Dutch prince to her cabinet - cause for concern?

The incoming commissioner for the digital agenda, Neelie Kroes, is planning to hire Dutch Prince Constantijn for her cabinet, despite pressure to reduce nations' hold over the top political levels of the European Commission.

The appointment of Constantjin is a cause for concern in Brussels, since it comes just as the EU executive is trying to make the cabinets of commissioners less nationally-oriented.

According to current rules, each cabinet should have at least three different nationalities out of a maximum of eight members, including one of either the head or deputy head of cabinet, and the spokesperson should not hold the same nationality as the commissioner. There is no mention of the unsuitability of royal family members.

Note EU-Digest: This is a strange decision by Mrs. Kroes, not so much because Constantijn is a Dutch Royal, but also the fact that Mrs. Kroes has not given any indication why she believes Constantijn is the professionally best qualified person for the job in this highly competitive field.


For the complete report: Kroes to appoint Dutch prince to her cabinet | EurActiv