Statement from the Commission Chief Spokesperson following Markus Pieper's announcement renouncing the post of SME envoy

Statement from the Commission Chief Spokesperson

The President both respects and regrets Markus Pieper's decision not to take up his post as SME Envoy on 16 April as planned. Markus Pieper is a proven expert on SMEs and has prevailed in a multi-stage selection process. The autonomy of each EU institution in appointing its senior officials must be respected. The President has therefore decided to suspend the reopening of the selection procedures for the position of SME Envoy until after the European elections.