Teresa Ribera Takes on Key Role in New European Commission Amid Controversies
Spain's Deputy Prime Minister, Teresa Ribera, known for her outspoken nature, is set to take on a pivotal position in the upcoming European Commission, overseeing Europe's clean transition and antitrust enforcement. Ribera will be one of six executive vice-presidents in the new EU executive team led by Ursula von der Leyen, with the commission expected to commence its duties by the end of the year.
Among the other appointees, Stéphane Séjourné, a close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron, has received a vast portfolio encompassing industrial policy. Additionally, Raffaele Fitto, chosen by Italian far-right leader Giorgia Meloni, will manage funding for Europe’s poorer regions. Von der Leyen, marking her place as the first woman to head the commission, detailed her selections for the executive team, emphasizing a careful balancing act that considered geography, political affiliation, and gender.
This appointment marks a significant show of strength from von der Leyen, who maneuvered to ensure that national governments provided more female candidates. Ribera's ascendance to such a prominent role spotlights her significant influence within the commission—an influence that has been recognized as both necessary and controversial. Four out of the six vice-presidential nominees are women, and the overall proportion of female commissioners has risen to 40%, although it still falls short of a complete gender balance.
The decision to position Fitto in a vice-presidential role has drawn criticism, particularly from Green and Socialist members of the European Parliament (MEPs), whose backing was crucial to von der Leyen's successful reelection in July. The Green party has expressed concerns that Fitto's nomination might jeopardize the pro-democracy majority in the parliament.
Ribera's role as competition commissioner puts her in the footsteps of Margrethe Vestager, a Danish politician renowned for her rigorous stance on corporate taxation. As competition commissioner and climate lead, Ribera's responsibilities facilitate her influence over the ongoing European Green Deal, aiming to keep Europe aligned with its climate goals amidst various political pressures.
Notably, this commission will see the introduction of a dedicated EU commissioner for defense and another for housing—positions that reflect the evolving priorities of the European Union amid increasing geopolitical challenges. Key figures returning for another term include the Netherlands' Wopke Hoekstra, now responsible for climate, net zero initiatives, and clean growth, and Denmark's Dan Jørgensen, tasked with overseeing energy policy and housing.
As the new commission gears up, the scrutiny of individual commissioner candidates will be intense, with hearings scheduled for October. MEPs tend to reject a few candidates before voting on whether to approve the commission as a whole, adding another layer of complexity to Ribera's anticipated leadership.
Overall, while the appointments signal a shift towards greater gender representation and a focus on critical issues like climate change and democratic governance, they also lay the groundwork for potential conflicts in the new political landscape of the European Union. Ribera is expected to navigate these challenges with the same determination she displayed during her tenure in Spain, positioning her as a significant player in shaping Europe’s future.
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