The EU Commission's new President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker has appointed Phil Hogan Commissioner for Agriculture.

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Announcing the new Commission team on Thursday, Juncker, a past president of Luxembourg, said, "After years of economic hardship and often painful reforms, Europeans expect a performing economy, sustainable jobs, more social protection, safer borders, energy security and digital opportunities.

"We have to be open to change. We have to show that the Commission can change."

As well as naming new commissioners, more details on shake-ups in the EU Commission's structure were also unveiled by Mr Juncker on Wednesday. These including the creation of seven vice-president roles: vice-presidents will have a remit across a range of directorates, "steering and coordinating the work of a number of Commissioners," according to the President-elect.

Some portfolios have also been merged (including energy and climate change, and environment, maritime affairs and fisheries).  

Elected by the European Parliament in July, Juncker will assume the Commission leadership from incumbent president Jose Manual Barroso in November. He supports greater political integration within the EU, though is a member of the centre-right European People's Party.

Hogan was tipped for the agriculture role ahead of the President-elect's announcement this morning. As agriculture Commissioner, he will have responsibility for over a third of the entire EU budget, delivered through the Common Agricultural Policy.  

Nominees put forward for roles in the Commission team by the EU's member states include four former prime ministers.  

Commenting on Hogan's appointment, Ireland's agriculture minister Simon Coveney said, "Agriculture has always been a priority for Ireland and this is an appointment that Government has made a priority. It is a very significant announcement for Ireland and is recognition of the role the Irish Presidency played in securing a Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) agreement last year

"Ireland sees this appointment as securing a major economic portfolio with controls 40% of the EU Budget. This Government has prioritised Agriculture and Food as a major economic driver for the Irish economy and this appointment will help deliver those targets. I wish Phil Hogan the very best in his new role and look forward to working closely with him."

The newly appointed commissioners will go before the European Parliament next month; MEPs will vote on the selection before the final group of commissioners enter office in November.