Voormalig premier Estland Siim Kallas kandidaat-eurocommissaris (en)

The Estonian government today (15 January) chose former Prime Minister Siim Kallas as its future European Commissioner.

The fact that Mr Kallas is experienced and well-known in Europe makes him the best possible candidate for the commissioner position, commented Estonian Prime Minister Juhan Parts.

Mr Kallas also played an important role during the crucial accession negotiations with the EU, stressed Mr Parts.

During his successful career, Mr Kallas has also been Estonian finance minister and foreign minister as well as the head of the Bank of Estonia.

From 1 May the European Commission will expand from 20 commissioners to 30, since every accession country will have a right to send its own Commissioner to Brussels.