A former Aberystwyth student has been made an EU commissioner for the environment.

Virginijus Sinkevi?ius, from Lithuania, who graduated in 2012 from the Department of International Politics with a degree in political studies, has been elected EU commissioner for environment, oceans and fisheries.

Virginijus is one of 27 commissioners to be appointed by The European Council and announced by the new president of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday, 28 November.

The commissioners, one from each EU country, are the commission’s political leadership team and are tasked with promoting the general interest of the EU by proposing and enforcing legislation and implementing policies and the EU budget.

Their term in office runs from 1 December 2019 until 31 October 2024.

Each Commissioner is assigned responsibility for specific policy areas, with Virginijus making strategy and policy decisions relating to the environment, oceans and fisheries.

Dr Patrick Finney, head of the department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, said: “It’s fantastic news that our former student, Virginijus Sinkevi?ius, has been appointed as an EU commissioner.

“He has enjoyed a stunningly successful political career since his graduation in 2012, and this marks another great achievement for him.

“His success demonstrates one of the many potential practical applications of a rigorous training in political studies.

“It’s also very pleasing that Virginijus has taken on the environment portfolio - the challenges posed by climate change are increasingly recognised as the most momentous of our age, which is why we are currently expanding our provision in this vital area.”

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