Mariya Gabriel | Photo credit: European Parliament audiovisual

MEPs have confirmed Mariya Gabriel as the new digital economy and society Commissioner. The Bulgarian MEP was backed with 517 to 77 votes with 89 abstentions. Once approved by the European Council, Gabriel will replace Kristalina Georgieva, who resigned from her post as Commission Vice-President in charge of budget and human resources late last year.

Gabrial has been an MEP since 2009 and is currently a Vice-Chair of Parliament's EPP group. She was recently rapporteur on introducing a visa waiver for Ukrainian citizens entering the EU.