Frans Timmermans, a longtime figure in European climate policy, has announced his resignation as vice president of the European Commission. He confirmed his intention to join the political coalition formed by the Labour Party (PvdA) and GroenLinks, with the aim of contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Netherlands. This move marks a significant shift in the leadership of the European Green Deal and raises questions about how the Commission will steer its climate and sustainability agenda in the months ahead.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, publicly thanked Timmermans for his years of dedicated service and accepted his resignation with immediacy, as stated in a formal communique from the Commission. The president highlighted Timmermans as a pivotal figure whose work extended beyond the European Green Pact, underscoring his role in shaping many of the Commission’s initiatives and pushing the bloc toward ambitious climate goals.
In her remarks, von der Leyen emphasised that Timmermans contributed substantively to the EU’s objective of becoming the first climate-neutral continent and to elevating climate ambition on a global stage. The presidency stressed that ongoing policy work would continue smoothly and that leadership transitions would be managed with minimal disruption to the European Union’s policy trajectory.
To ensure continuity, von der Leyen notified both the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the Spanish Council Presidency, and she sent an official notice to the acting Prime Minister of the Netherlands, inviting him to propose a Dutch national candidate for the vacant Commission seat. The aim is to secure a seamless replacement that preserves the integrity and momentum of EU climate and competitiveness policies.
The Green Pact portfolio will temporarily pass to Slovakia’s Maros Sefcovic, who serves as a vice-president and brings decades of experience to the task. Frequently described as one of the Commission’s most seasoned members, Sefcovic has been entrusted with carrying the EU’s green agenda to the next level, shifting from setting high standards to delivering tangible outcomes across member states.
Sefcovic will also assume responsibility for Climate Action Policy during the interim period, until a new Dutch-national commissioner is appointed. He welcomed the arrangement, stating a commitment to continue the European Green Deal with a focus on practical measures that benefit sectors and citizens alike, and to advance the Union’s climate objectives through targeted policy action and regional cooperation.
With Timmermans’ departure and Mariya Gabriel’s earlier departure from the Commission, questions are arising about whether further changes may follow within the leadership team. The designated vice president in charge of competition, Margrethe Vestager, who is Danish and affiliated with the Liberal grouping, has also been mentioned in discussions about possible new roles in European financial institutions. These developments signal a period of transition for the Commission as it recalibrates its governance while maintaining its climate and strategic priorities.
Observers note that the coming weeks will be critical for the EU’s policy roadmap. The European Green Deal remains a central pillar of the Union’s strategy, with emphasis on accelerating clean energy deployment, boosting energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable industry practices. Analysts expect the next commission line-up to preserve the core objectives while refining the approach to implementation, governance, and resource allocation. The leadership change is unlikely to derail the ongoing climate agenda, but it may influence the speed and emphasis of specific initiatives as new commissioners take office and coalition dynamics evolve.
In summary, Timmermans’s resignation opens a new chapter for EU climate policy. The transition plan prioritises continuity, clear communication with Parliament and member states, and a firm commitment to delivering on the Green Deal’s promises. The European Commission, under von der Leyen’s leadership, will continue to advance ambitious climate action, with Sefcovic and the interim team guiding the policy agenda until a permanent Dutch commissioner is confirmed.