Von der Leyen finalizes team for EU’s executive arm

BRUSSELS – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is to take the helm at the European Union’s executive branch in November, has finalized her team for the coming five years.

Her proposed list includes former Italian prime minister, Paolo Gentiloni.

Von der Leyen, who will replace Jean-Claude Juncker, almost achieved perfect gender equality in her appointments with 14 men and 13 women for her commission, which proposes laws for the 28-country bloc and ensures they are put into practice. Britain, which is scheduled to leave the EU on Oct. 31, has not been assigned a commissioner.

The commission said Monday von der Leyen will give details on the jobs allocated to the 27 on Tuesday.

Her team must be approved by the European Parliament.