After more than three years as European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel has stepped down from her position on 15 May 2023. The reason for her resignation is that she has received an institutional mandate to form a government in her home country Bulgaria. 

Gabriel’s work was characterised by a strong connection and combination of culture and research innovation, which benefitted her drive for additional financing opportunities for culture under Horizon Europe, the EU’s research budget. 

Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission and in charge of “Promotion of our European Way of Life” will be in charge of Culture (together with Education and Youth) until a new Commissioner is chosen. Innovation and research will be handled by Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, who also serves as the EU’s competition commissioner.