The European Union member-states on Monday appointed Julian King as Britain’s new EU Commissioner, a position he is expected to hold until his country leaves the bloc.
Britain is likely to remain a member of the EU for several more years, with negotiations still to be held about the conditions of its exit and its future relationship with the bloc.
King’s appointment should have little effect on the Brexit process as his new position requires him to be independent, notably from political decisions out of London.
He pledged during a hearing with the European Parliament on Thursday to serve European general interest and only the European general interest.
King, who previously was Britain’s ambassador to France, would be responsible in the European Commission – the EU’s executive – for counterterrorism and efforts to step up security across the bloc.
This puts him in charge of an important policy area following a spate of terrorist attacks in Europe.
Meanwhile, the commission’s ability to act is limited by the fact that security issues are first and foremost a matter for EU member-states.
King’s appointment is valid until Oct. 31, 2019, but he has already indicated that he would leave once Brexit is complete.
King replaces Jonathan Hill, who stepped down following the British voters’ shock decision to withdraw from the EU, saying that he was “very disappointed” with that outcome.
Hill had been the EU commissioner for financial services.
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