European Commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen will interview Italy's nominee commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni, in Brussels on Friday, Adnkronos has learned from European sources.
"I love Italy and Europe and am proud to have received this nomination. Down to work for better times," Gentiloni tweeted on Thursday after Italy's premier, Giuseppe Conte put his name forward to von der Leyen, reportedly late on Wednesday
In a statement earlier on Thursday after his nomination was announced, Gentiloni vowed "to contribute to a new, positive chapter for Italy and Europe."
Von der Leyen tweeted on Thursday that she had now received "all names from EU member states".
"Now looking forward to assembling a well-balanced College (line-up of commissioners) which I’ll present on Tuesday," read the tweet.
Gentiloni is a prime contender for the economic commissioner portfolio, Andkronos learned from parliamentary sources.
Gentiloni, 64, served as Italy's centre-left premier from 2016-2018 and his appointment is widely seen as a move to ensure smooth relations between Brussels and the new populist-centre-left government after months of high tension between the EU executive and the previous, eurosceptic coalition government ( also led by Conte).
"Happy for Paolo Gentiloni, the perfect choice to restore Italy's lustre...Go for it!" tweeted centre-left Euro-MP Carlo Calenda, who was industry minister in Gentiloni's cabinet.
