Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius is stepping down from his role as the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, according to a recent statement. He is stepping down from his current role to take up his seat at the European Parliament.
Sinkevičius, who has held the position as Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries since 2019, has been a key figure in shaping the EU's environmental and maritime policies.
Prior to his commissioner role, Sinkevičius served as a member of the European Parliament. His tenure as commissioner has been marked by significant strides in implementing the European Green Deal, an ambitious framework aimed at achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050.
Under Sinkevičius's leadership, the EU has seen enhanced efforts in marine conservation, the promotion of sustainable fishing practices, tackled ocean pollution and a concerted drive to improve Europe’s drinking water. Sinkevičius also prioritised biodiversity and the enforcement of environmental regulations, contributing significantly to the EU’s environmental agenda.
At the beginning of 2024, the European Commission adopted new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. For the occasion, Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “Reducing contamination is a key element of water resilience and the resilience of our whole ecosystem."
President von der Leyen has temporarily reassigned the responsibilities of Commissioner Sinkevičius to Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, in addition to his current responsibilities.
President von der Leyen has communicated these interim changes to the European Parliament and the Council, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to uninterrupted service and stability during this transition period.
