Czech MEP Martina Dlabajová has challenged the European Commission over its controversial appointment of an EU SME envoy, questioning whether the selection process was based on merit and equal opportunities.

The controversial appointment of German CDU MEP Markus Pieper as the new EU envoy for small and medium-sized enterprises has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Pieper got the job even though he was not the top candidate recommended by independent selection committees or Commissioner Thierry Breton. The SME Envoy will work with Breton and the Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).

According to various sources, Dlabajová of the Czech Republic and Anna Stellinger of Sweden scored at least 30% higher than Pieper in the assessments, highlighting concerns about Pieper’s appointment.

In addition to the issue of qualifications, the other two leading candidates are women from under-represented countries, which is at odds with von der Leyen’s pledge to promote women in top positions and geographical balance in the EU institutions.