As a Prime Minister responsible for appointing the next Danish European Commissioner, I knew that I was looking for a high-profile politician who really understood what it takes to influence European policy­making, had a real passion for European cooperation and would make Denmark proud.

Margrethe Vestager was the perfect candidate on all counts, and she has truly delivered.

As the European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe knows that the buck stops with her, and she makes the tough, controversial decisions as only a true leader can.

But Margrethe is not a technocrat. She bases all her decisions on the values that are close to her heart: fair play and opportunity for all.

Europe needs more women like Margrethe Vestager.

Thorning-Schmidt, a former Prime Minister of Denmark, is the CEO of Save the Children International