Phil Hogan, European Union (EU) trade commissioner, speaks during an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, US, Jan 16, 2020. (ANDREW HARRER / BLOOMBERG)

BRUSSELS - European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said on Monday he would not seek to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization, having previously said he was looking into the possibility.

Hogan said earlier this month that he was exploring the option of being a candidate for the post 

Hogan said in a statement that the EU’s trade agenda, including transatlantic tensions, and talks with Britain about future relations required the full involvement of the European Union and, in particular, the trade commissioner.

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“Accordingly, I have decided that I will not be putting my name forward for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization,” he said.

Hogan said earlier this month that he was exploring the option of being a candidate for the post that will become vacant at the start of September because incumbent Roberto Azevedo is stepping down a year early.

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