Posted by 
The European Union’s chief justice official Didier Reynders on Monday became an official candidate to lead the Strasbourg-based human rights organization Council of Europe, according to the institution.
The EU’s Justice Commissioner will compete with former Swiss president Alain Berset and Estonia’s former culture minister Indrek Saar, the two other candidates shortlisted for the job of secretary general after interviews were held with all candidates last week.
Reynders will have to take a leave of absence from his position as EU justice chief during the selection process. It is still unclear who will replace him to spearhead work on justice and consumer protection until after the European Parliament election on June 6-9. The European Commission did not immediately respond.
The Council of Europe has 46 member countries and includes the European Court of Human Rights. It is not a part of the European Union institutions.
The institution’s 306-strong parliament will cast their ballots on who should lead the organization in late June. The new secretary general is expected to start Sep. 18.
Reynders, a Belgian liberal politician from the French-speaking Reformist Movement party, lost the race for the job of secretary general at the Council of Europe in 2019 to Croatian politician and current Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić.
Don’t miss out on the political event of the year! POLITICO and Studio Europa Maastricht are joining forces to present the highly anticipated Maastricht Debate. From your screen to the ballot box, take part in democracy by registering here to join us online.
