Belgian EU Commissioner Nominee, Who Approved Visas for Russians and Iranians, Proposes Punishing Hungary

Belgium has nominated Foreign and European Affairs Minister Hadja Lahbib, who has faced scrutiny over suspicious dealings, to join the European Commission, where she would oversee crisis management and equality. The decision comes as a surprise amid political tensions in Belgium following recent elections, especially since Didier Reynders had been the frontrunner for the position .

Outgoing Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib at the plenary session of the Federal Parliament in Brussels, on September 26, 2024. (Photo: Belga via AFP)

Ms. Lahbib, nominated for the crisis management and equality portfolio in the European Commission, will have her hearing on Wednesday, November 6.