In the memo, the Commission said the decision to authorise the internal posting for the competition division’s top job “takes effect immediately”.

The job posting means the Commission has decided not to simply reshuffle existing director-generals from other departments to fill the DG COMP role; rather it will allow deputy directors-general and other senior Commission officials to apply – keeping all options on the table.

Competition policy is one of the few areas of exclusive EU competence. The Commission acts as the bloc’s powerful enforcer – fining tech giants, reviewing mergers, policing state aid and cracking down on illegal cartels.

On paper the Commission also has the power to impose structural remedies – potentially including break-ups – a prospect raised in the current DG COMP enforcement against Google’s adtech business.

Race to run DG COMP

The vacancy, graded at AD15/16, means the successful candidate would earn upwards of €20,000 per month, according to the latest EU salary scales.

Candidates in the running could include existing director generals in other directorates but also deputies inside DG COMP – including Anthony Whelan, who is deputy director-general for state aid after previously working as digital advisor to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s cabinet, and Guillame Loriot, who is the DG COMP deputy in charge of mergers.

There is also a possibility that an alternative candidate could still enter the race.

(nl)