EU trade chief Phil Hogan is no longer considering a bid for the top job at the World Trade Organization, citing a delay of the selection process in Geneva.
“I have decided that I will not be putting my name forward for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. I have informed the President of the Commission today,” Hogan said in a statement Wednesday.
“In consultation and approval of President Von Der Leyen, I will return to my duties of Trade Commissioner with immediate effect.”
Hogan caught much of Brussels by surprise in late May when he announced he was “exploring” a WTO candidacy. EU countries did not immediately back him at a trade ministers meeting in June. France and the Netherlands in particular said the EU should consider backing non-EU candidates.
Liberal EU countries worried that Hogans departure would upset the power balance in Brussels and pave the way to a more protectionist EU trade chief.Read More – Source
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