Ursula von der Leyen Unveils New European Commission Team Amid Controversies
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has officially presented her new team of commissioners for the upcoming term, which will last until 2029. The announcement was made during a session in Strasbourg, where she emphasized the need for a strong focus on Europe’s competitiveness, security, and democracy. This new lineup, however, is not without its challenges, as the nominees will face rigorous hearings in the European Parliament, where their appointments are subject to approval by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
The new Commission features a total of 27 candidates, including 11 women and 16 men, achieving a representation of 40% women, which falls short of von der Leyen's goal for gender parity. In her press conference, she acknowledged the need for further progress in this area, stating that while there has been some rebalancing, “there is still work to be done.”
One of the most notable appointments is Teresa Ribera, the Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition, who has been given a prominent role as Executive Vice-President for Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition. Ribera’s extensive background in environmental policies positions her well to lead initiatives in this crucial area. Conversely, the appointment of Raffaele Fitto as Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms has raised eyebrows, given his affiliation with Italy's far-right government led by Giorgia Meloni.
The Commission's formation was complicated by the last-minute resignation of Thierry Breton, the former Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, who cited personal differences with von der Leyen as the reason for his departure. His replacement, Stéphane Séjourné, was swiftly nominated by French President Emmanuel Macron and is expected to play a key role in shaping the Commission’s industrial strategy.
As von der Leyen prepares for her second term, she will need to navigate the complexities of the new appointments, particularly with candidates like Olivér Várhelyi from Hungary, who faces criticism for his close ties to the nationalist agenda of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The upcoming parliamentary hearings will be critical, as history shows that at least one candidate typically fails to pass the scrutiny of MEPs, raising the stakes for von der Leyen’s leadership.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the new European Commission team marks a significant moment for the EU as it strives to address pressing issues such as the ongoing impacts of the war in Ukraine, economic recovery, and the climate crisis. With a mix of experienced politicians and new faces, the Commission's ability to work cohesively will be essential for achieving its ambitious goals.
