Ursula von der Leyen Outlines New Priorities and Leadership in the European Commission
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new five-year leadership strategy for the EU’s executive arm on September 17, focusing on core priorities such as prosperity, security, and democracy while addressing competitiveness challenges. Her initiative comes in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly stemming from the war in Ukraine.
In a strategic move, von der Leyen appointed Andrius Kubilius, the conservative former Prime Minister of Lithuania, as the new commissioner for defense and space. This role highlights the EU's commitment to collective security amid rising safety concerns. Furthermore, to diversify influence within the commission, she included Raffaele Fitto, an ally of Italy's hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among her newly expanded list of six vice presidents, addressing previous criticisms regarding her consolidation of power during her first term. Fitto will serve as executive vice president for cohesion and reforms, where his expertise is expected to help modernize the EU's investment and growth policies.
In an effort to enhance gender balance within the Commission, von der Leyen announced the appointment of 11 women, representing 40% of the total members. This move follows her discussions with the 26 EU member states to ensure that gender diversity is prioritized in the nominations process. However, the return of controversial figures like Hungary's Oliver Varhely, now in charge of health and animal welfare, raises questions about the Commission's stance on past actions and controversies.
Irishman Michael McGrath has taken on the critical role of overseeing democracy, justice, and the rule of law. This position may place him in the spotlight as the EU confronts issues of democratic backsliding among member states, particularly Hungary, raising concerns about adherence to core EU values. On another front, Austria’s Magnus Brunner now leads internal affairs and migration, a task complicated by ongoing debates about the EU's border policies and immigration strategies.
A notable development occurred just prior to von der Leyen's announcement when French Commissioner Thierry Breton resigned, seeking a more impactful role for France within the commission. Von der Leyen responded by appointing French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourne to one of the six vice-presidential roles, responsible for prosperity and industrial strategy.
Von der Leyen's vision for the Commission focuses on reexamining security structures and enhancing defense mechanisms in response to Russia's prolonged aggression towards Ukraine. Alongside this, she is addressing pressing matters, including transatlantic relations and divisions concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza involving Hamas, along with tensions surrounding the EU's environmental, industrial, and agricultural policies, especially in relation to the European Green Deal established in 2019.
Additional priorities outlined by von der Leyen include tightening EU borders and advocating for a merit-based approach to the stalled EU enlargement process. The presidency of the European Commission stands as one of three pivotal institutional roles within the EU, alongside the European Council, setting the political agenda and direction for the bloc and its legislative body, the European Parliament.
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