Neelie Kroes signs off from European digital role

Neelie Kroes

The retiring head of the European Commission’s digital policy, Neelie Kroes, saw out her last day on Friday after five years in the role. 

In a farewell note, Kroes thanked everyone who “realises that Europe can be digital, wants to be digital, needs to be digital, with the determination to face a strong, dynamic future.”

“These issues will remain close to my heart and important to my future: you can rest assured I will not be tending the roses in my retirement,” said Kroes.

Her role will now be divided up and three European commissioners will succeed her:  Günther Oettinger, commissioner-designate for the Digital Economy and Society; Andrus Ansip, vice president-designate for the Digital Single Market; and Jyrki Katainen, vice president-designate for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness.