Ursula von der Leyen Unveils New Top Team for EU’s Next Five Years
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen recently revealed her new top team, navigating complex political dynamics to lead the EU through the next five years of global uncertainty. Here are the key highlights of her new team and the implications for Europe’s future:
Challenges Ahead
- With Russia’s war in Ukraine, the potential return of Donald Trump as US president, and increasing competition from China, the formation of the new European Commission is crucial.
- The focus is on strengthening tech sovereignty, security, and democracy in the face of these challenges.
Key Appointments
- French candidate Stephane Sejourne appointed as executive vice president overseeing industrial strategy.
- Spain’s Teresa Ribera, a socialist climate campaigner, named as executive vice president for overseeing the bloc’s economic transition toward carbon neutrality.
- Former Lithuanian prime minister Andrius Kubilius appointed as the new commissioner for defense to help Europe rearm.
- Estonia’s ex-premier Kaja Kallas selected as the bloc’s foreign policy chief.
Balancing Act
- Von der Leyen had to choose her team from nominees put forward by the 26 member states, balancing the demands of competing national leaders.
- Efforts to achieve gender balance fell short, with 40 percent women in the new administration.
Future Direction
- The appointments reflect where Brussels aims to steer the EU, indicating the influence of member states and political groupings.
- The role of controversial Italian pick Raffaele Fitto and the distribution of environmental policy responsibilities among commissioners are key points of interest.
Approval Process
- All commissioners must gain approval from the European Parliament, with hearings scheduled in the coming weeks.
- Some candidates, like Hungary’s Oliver Varhelyi, face scrutiny and possible rejection by lawmakers.
Timeline
- The target is to have the new commission in place by November 1, though a December 1 start seems more likely.
In conclusion, Ursula von der Leyen’s new team reflects the EU’s response to pressing global challenges and sets the course for Europe’s future. The appointments signal a strategic shift in key areas like defense, climate, and technology, with implications for the EU’s position on the world stage. The approval process and potential rejection of certain candidates by the European Parliament highlight the importance of political support and alignment in shaping the EU’s direction. The timeline for the commission’s formation underscores the urgency and complexity of the task at hand, as Europe navigates a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.