BRUSSELS — The European Commission says it followed the rules in its selection of an envoy to Africa’s troubled Sahel region, even as the person it initially tapped faces criminal charges in Slovenia because of the nomination.

The Commission’s choice of ex-Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon — which was reversed after criticism from Prime Minister Janez Janša — risks putting the bloc on a collision course with the country’s new government.

Responding to a question from POLITICO, Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said Tuesday that the selection for the Sahel envoy post had taken place “in line with the process.”