The decision follows an announcement last week by Prime Minister Donald Tusk that Serafin would be nominated for this influential EU position, potentially overseeing budgetary affairs.
Serafin, a seasoned diplomat who was formerly chief of staff to Tusk when the latter headed the European Council from 2014 to 2019, is considered an apolitical figure suitable for the role.
Before his time with Tusk, Serafin served as the State Secretary for European Affairs at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2014 and has been involved in European integration efforts since 1999.
The president’s consent came after the prime minister’s office formally submitted Serafin’s candidacy, adhering to legislative requirements outlined in a revised 2010 law that mandates government collaboration with the president and parliament on EU-related appointments.
This law also stipulates that the president must approve or reject such nominations within 21 days.
This development marks a potential end to the uncertainty surrounding Serafin’s current role in Brussels, where he has been acting as Poland's Permanent Representative to the EU since last December without formal presidential approval.
If confirmed as the European Union's next budget commissioner, Serafin will be responsible for crafting the bloc's seven-year financial plan for 2028-2034, a critical role as the EU navigates post-pandemic economic recovery and other challenges.
This nomination aligns with Poland’s ongoing efforts to maintain a significant presence in EU policymaking circles.
Serafin is set to replace Janusz Wojciechowski, Poland's current EU commissioner, who was appointed in 2019 and is in charge of agriculture.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, Politico
Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski.