EU Faces Challenges and Delays in Forming New European Commission

Ursula von der Leyen, who has secured her position as President of the European Commission for a second term, faces significant challenges in forming a gender-balanced Commission. Despite her requests, most member states have nominated only one candidate, predominantly male, making it difficult to maintain the gender balance achieved in the previous Commission. This imbalance could lead to complications in gaining approval from the European Parliament, which may demand more gender representation.

Controversial and Key Candidates

Hungary: Oliver Varhelyi Hungary has re-nominated Oliver Varhelyi, the current Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. Varhelyi’s tenure has been contentious, with accusations of bias and undermining the principles of the Commission, particularly from members of the European Parliament. His reappointment is far from certain, as the Parliament may reject his nomination, potentially leading to a delay in forming the new Commission. Should Varhelyi remain, it is expected that von der Leyen will assign him a less influential portfolio.

Slovakia: Maroš Šefčovič Maroš Šefčovič, a seasoned EU official with 15 years of experience, is set to return to the Commission. He has served as Vice-President of the Commission and is known for his work on the European Green Deal and inter-institutional relations. Šefčovič’s extensive experience and political acumen make him a strong candidate for a significant portfolio, despite the recent political changes in Slovakia.

Poland: Piotr Serafin Poland’s nominee, Piotr Serafin, is the country’s permanent representative to the EU and a seasoned diplomat. Initially, Poland sought the Defence portfolio, but internal dynamics led to a shift in focus, with Serafin now being considered for the Budget portfolio. His deep understanding of EU affairs makes him a logical choice for a role that involves managing the EU’s finances, especially with the upcoming challenges of EU enlargement.

Latvia: Valdis Dombrovskis Latvia has re-nominated Valdis Dombrovskis, the current Executive Vice-President of the Commission responsible for international trade. Dombrovskis is a key figure in the EU, particularly regarding economic and financial policies, and his continuation in a similar or expanded role seems likely. His experience and strong stance on economic governance make him a vital asset to the Commission.

Lithuania: Andrius Kubilius Lithuania’s nominee, Andrius Kubilius, a former Prime Minister and current Member of the European Parliament, is a prominent supporter of Ukraine and a critic of the Kremlin. Kubilius is seen as a strong candidate for a significant portfolio, possibly related to EU enlargement, though his appointment is complicated by the fact that Estonia’s Kaja Kallas has been named the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, reducing the likelihood of two Baltic politicians holding top foreign policy roles.

Romania: Victor Negrescu Romania’s candidate, Victor Negrescu, is a 39-year-old social democrat and Vice-President of the European Parliament. Negrescu is likely to seek an economic portfolio, although competition for these roles is intense. Given Romania’s close ties with Moldova, he could be a strong candidate for a role connected to EU enlargement or neighbourhood policy.

France: Thierry Breton France has re-nominated Thierry Breton, currently responsible for the internal market. Breton’s extensive experience and France’s significant influence within the EU position him as a potential candidate for a top economic portfolio or even a newly created defence role, aligning with France’s strategic interests in boosting European defence capabilities.

Netherlands: Wopke Hoekstra Wopke Hoekstra, the Dutch nominee and current Commissioner for Climate Action, has been a surprise choice. Despite his short tenure, Hoekstra is being considered for a financial or economic portfolio, reflecting the Netherlands’ desire to maintain influence over the EU’s economic policies.

Additional Candidates

• Croatia: Dublavka Šuica, current Vice-President of the Commission responsible for democracy and demography, has been re-nominated.
• Luxembourg: Christophe Hansen, a former MEP with a focus on trade, is the nominee.
• Finland: Henna Virkkunen, an experienced MEP and former minister, known for her broad expertise in education and transport, is the candidate.
• Sweden: Jessika Roswall, the current Minister for EU Affairs, is expected to focus on issues like climate, competitiveness, and security.
• Austria: Magnus Brunner, the Finance Minister, is Austria’s nominee, bringing expertise in environmental and climate policy.
• Czech Republic: Josef Sikela, the Minister of Industry and Trade, is expected to be nominated, possibly aiming for the energy portfolio.
• Ireland: Michael McGrath, a former Finance Minister, has been nominated.
• Spain: Teresa Ribera, a former Deputy Prime Minister and climate expert, is Spain’s candidate, though her strong anti-nuclear stance may pose challenges.
• Greece: Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Governor of Central Macedonia and former head of the European Committee of the Regions, is the nominee.
• Cyprus: Costas Kadis, with experience in education and agriculture, has been nominated, potentially eyeing the new Mediterranean portfolio.
• Slovenia: Tomaz Vesel, a public procurement expert, is the candidate.
• Malta: Glenn Micallef, a young candidate with limited experience, has raised concerns about Malta securing a less influential portfolio.

Countries Yet to Nominate

• Belgium: Delays due to coalition talks have postponed Belgium’s nomination. Possible candidates include Didier Reynders or Sophie Wilmès.
• Bulgaria: Ongoing political instability might lead to the re-nomination of Iliana Ivanova, the current Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth.
• Italy: Italy’s nomination is still in flux, with the government considering Raffaele Fitto, a pro-EU figure, as a potential candidate.
• Denmark: Dan Jørgensen, a minister focused on global climate policy, is a likely nominee.
• Portugal: Miguel Poiares Maduro, a former Minister for Regional Development and EU law expert, is expected to be nominated.

Read also:

Italy and Lithuania Face Deadline Crunch for European Commission Nominations

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