New Priorities for the EU Commission Under von der Leyen Amid Global Challenges
The new European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, is set to commence its work on December 1st, marking a significant moment after nearly six months following the European elections. The European Parliament in Strasbourg has voted in favor of the 26 Commissioners, culminating a lengthy dispute that has characterized this transitional period. As von der Leyen embarks on her second term, it is anticipated that her focus will shift from the climate crisis—the primary concern during her initial inauguration in 2019—to more pressing global issues, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the implications of Donald Trump's presidency in the United States, and ongoing trade tensions with China.
The European Union now faces critical questions about how to maintain its competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. A clear sign of von der Leyen's evolved priorities is the introduction of the new post of Commissioner for Defense, held by Andrius Kubilius, former Prime Minister of Lithuania. His role will emphasize enhancing Europe’s military independence and boosting investments in European armament projects.
The war in Ukraine is another pivotal issue that will demand attention, with Estonian Kaja Kallas positioned as the new Chief Diplomat of the EU. She is tasked with addressing the diminishing support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. In contrast, the EU’s capacity to influence conflicts in regions like the Middle East remains limited.
The EU's economic policies and trade dynamics will also undergo scrutiny and adaptation. The newly designated Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, inherits the challenging task of managing the EU's fraught relationship with China. This includes tackling accusations of competitive distortion by the Chinese government due to subsidies and implementing recent decisions to impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. In retaliation, China is considering countermeasures that could impact European manufacturers, especially in Germany.
A lingering concern for the EU is the issue of unwanted migration. Magnus Brunner, the former Austrian Finance Minister, has been appointed as the Commissioner responsible for implementing the contested migration pact, a task rife with political sensitivity and public scrutiny.
Ursula von der Leyen's centrist-right alliance, the European People’s Party (EPP), emerged victorious in the May elections, leading to her re-election by Parliament in July. In September, she unveiled her proposed team, although not without friction; three candidates faced notable scrutiny. Raffaele Fitto from Italy, tapped for overseeing reforms and funds related to development, is regarded as politically moderate but hails from the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, creating a mix of optimism and skepticism.
Additionally, the appointment of Spanish socialist Teresa Ribera to the role of Commissioner for Competition Policy and Green Transition sparked controversy, particularly from conservative factions criticizing her response to severe floods in Valencia. The appointment of Olivér Várhelyi from Hungary has also been contentious given his perceived allegiance to the authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. However, compromises were reached through negotiations, which redistributed some of Várhelyi's responsibilities to mitigate concerns.
Overall, as the European Union steps into this new era, the Commission's revamped priorities reflect a pragmatic response to global challenges, aiming to fortify the EU’s position on the international stage, navigate complex trade dynamics, and address critical security issues. The upcoming months will be telling as these new leaders set out to define not only their individual portfolios but also the collective direction of the EU amidst unprecedented trials.
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