Ursula von der Leyen Unveils New EU Commission Amid Criticism
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced her new team of EU Commissioners, aiming to address pressing issues like security and competitiveness, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The newly structured College of Commissioners, which will serve until the next EU elections in 2029, sees the introduction of a Defence Commissioner, a significant move reflecting the heightened focus on security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The new defence role will be filled by former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, who is tasked with enhancing the EU's defence production capabilities and developing a cohesive European defence strategy. This strategic shift underscores von der Leyen’s acknowledgment of the security challenges posed by Russia, as well as the need for a united European response to external threats.
Gender Balance Efforts Fall Short
Despite von der Leyen's commitment to achieving gender balance within her team, the new commission has achieved only 40% female representation, falling short of her goal. Notably, four of the six executive vice-presidents are women, including Teresa Ribera from Spain and Kaja Kallas from Estonia. However, the overall composition has sparked criticism, particularly regarding the appointment of controversial figures such as Raffaele Vito from Italy, who faces scrutiny from pro-European groups for his ties to far-right politics.
Critics argue that while efforts to include more women in leadership roles are commendable, the lack of overall gender balance in the commission highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving true equality in EU governance. Vito’s nomination has drawn ire from various political factions, including the Renew Europe group and the Greens, who have vowed to hold him accountable for his actions in the Commission.
Diverse Reactions from Member States
The reactions to the new appointments have varied across EU member states. In Belgium, former Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has been assigned a portfolio that some critics deem weak, reflecting a broader concern about the influence of Belgian politicians in the EU. Meanwhile, Portugal's Prime Minister praised Maria Luis Albuquerque's role in financial services, emphasizing its importance for the economic stability of the region.
In Estonia, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, now the EU's foreign policy chief, has been recognized for her strong stance against Russian aggression, which aligns with the EU's strategic priorities. The Baltic states, having long warned about the threats from Russia, are now seeing their voices amplified in European discussions.
As the new College of Commissioners prepares for parliamentary hearings, the focus will be on how effectively they can address the pressing issues of security, gender representation, and regional cohesion in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
