European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to begin her second term on 1 December 2024, following a political agreement within the European Parliament to finalise her 26-member Commission. The deal, reached on 20 November, ended weeks of negotiations and ensured her team’s approval by the necessary political factions.
A Strategic Assembly
Since September, von der Leyen has worked to assemble a Commission reflective of the European Union’s current political dynamics. The new team includes six executive vice-presidents from a range of political groups and countries: Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, Italy’s Raffaele Fitto, Romania’s Roxana Mînzatu, France’s Stéphane Séjourné, Spain’s Teresa Ribera, and Finland’s Henna Virkkunen. Each of these vice-presidents is tasked with overseeing the work of the remaining commissioners.
However, von der Leyen’s decision to appoint Raffaele Fitto, aligned with the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), as minister of EU affairs, sparked controversy. This move was criticised by the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the Parliament’s second-largest group, which viewed the appointment as a concession to far-right politics. Despite their objections, the S&D eventually conceded, ensuring Ribera, one of their nominees, was confirmed as the EU’s de facto second-in-command, overseeing competition and climate.
Political Dynamics and Implications
The new Commission reflects a shift to the right within the EU, following the European elections in June, which saw gains for conservative and far-right parties in key member states. Von der Leyen’s European People’s Party (EPP) emerged as the dominant force, securing 14 of the 27 Commission positions.
Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP, highlighted the balance achieved in the new team, stating, “Everybody can have a strong say for the future of Europe.” The EPP’s success in securing key roles highlighted its negotiating strength, even as it faced criticism for breaking the traditional ‘cordon sanitaire’ separating mainstream and far-right parties.
Despite resistance from Renew, Greens, and Socialist lawmakers, Fitto’s appointment was approved. His confirmation, however, did not come without conditions. The EPP demanded Ribera appear before the Spanish Parliament over her handling of deadly flooding in Valencia and sought her commitment to resign if indicted. While Ribera refused to provide such assurances, her confirmation ultimately went ahead.
Managing Challenges and Dissent
The agreement also addressed concerns surrounding Hungary’s controversial nominee, Olivér Várhelyi, a figure associated with the far-right government of Viktor Orbán. Várhelyi, previously responsible for enlargement policy, faced a diminished portfolio focused on health and animal welfare. This reduction in his remit was seen as a compromise to placate critics.
However, discontent persists within the S&D. French MEP Christophe Clergeau expressed dissatisfaction with the inclusion of a far-right vice-president, stating his intention to vote against the Commission proposal. Despite this opposition, von der Leyen’s coalition-building ensured the overall plan moved forward.
A Historical Context
The approval process for von der Leyen’s second Commission marked a departure from past precedents. Unlike in previous cycles, no commissioner nominee was rejected or required to return for additional hearings. This represents a shift in the Parliament’s traditional role as a check on the Commission’s power.
The lack of rejections has drawn criticism from some quarters, with suggestions that the Parliament has ceded influence over the process. However, it also demonstrates von der Leyen’s adept political management in navigating competing interests within a more fragmented EU.
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