In a pivotal reshuffling within the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has made crucial decisions concerning the Commission’s next leadership team. The complete line-up for the new leadership is expected to be announced by von der Leyen no later than the end of this week.
According to sources in Brussels, as reported by Welt, von der Leyen’s new Commission structure will increase the number of Executive Vice-Presidents from four to five, signalling a consolidation of power and a focus on strategic priorities. This restructuring will also eliminate the previous Vice-Presidential level, thereby concentrating decision-making within a smaller, more authoritative group.
Valdis Dombrovskis’ appointment as Executive Vice-President with a dual focus on EU enlargement and Ukraine’s reconstruction underscores the EU’s commitment to both supporting Ukraine’s recovery and pursuing its broader enlargement strategy. Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU has become a focal point in the EU’s long-term plans, especially in light of the ongoing war with Russia.
In addition to Dombrovskis, several other high-profile appointments have been made. Teresa Ribera Rodriguez, a socialist from Spain, will take on the role of Executive Vice-President for the “Transition” portfolio. Ribera, who previously served as Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition, will be responsible for steering the EU’s legislative initiatives across social, digital, and ecological transformations.
Thierry Breton, a liberal from France, is set to oversee the “Industry and Strategic Autonomy” portfolio. This position is crucial as the EU aims to bolster its industrial base and reduce dependency on external powers, particularly in the context of global supply chain challenges.
Meanwhile, Dutch politician Wopke Hoekstra is anticipated to become the new EU Commissioner for Trade, and Czech Industry Minister Josef Sikela is expected to be appointed as the new Commissioner for Energy.
Raffaele Fitto, a right-wing populist from Italy’s Brothers of Italy party, is set to join the Commission as an Executive Vice-President. Fitto’s portfolio will include overseeing economic affairs and managing the EU’s COVID-19 recovery funds, which amount to over €700 billion. His appointment marks the first time a populist figure from the Brothers of Italy will hold such a high-ranking position in the EU’s executive branch, reflecting the shifting political dynamics within Europe.
Von der Leyen has also placed significant emphasis on reducing bureaucracy and managing the EU’s budget. Slovak politician Maroš Šefčovič will take on the role of reducing bureaucracy and addressing interinstitutional matters, aligning with von der Leyen’s goal of making deregulation a key focus of her leadership.
Polish politician Piotr Serafin will handle budgetary issues, a challenging task given the EU’s increasing financial demands amid member states’ reluctance to contribute more. Serafin will be responsible for negotiating the next seven-year EU budget, a delicate balancing act that will require navigating complex financial interests.
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EU Faces Challenges and Delays in Forming New European Commission
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