John Downing: 'Hogan in role of EU trade commissioner will give us some clout at challenging time'

Incoming: Phil Hogan is to be named EU trade commissioner for the next five years. Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman

John Downing

Phil Hogan is set to be named as EU trade commissioner for the next five years - a job which will see him supervising future European trade relations with the UK after Brexit happens.

The new commission president, Ursula von der Leyen of Germany, is due to name her new 27-member team to guide EU policy for the years 2019-2024. Provided the nominees are ratified by the European Parliament after questions at public hearings later this month, the new Brussels executive will take office from November 1.