Ursula von der Leyen's Reformed EU Commission: A Balancing Act of Power and Gender
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, successfully presented her new team of 26 commissioners in Strasbourg this week after a delay spurred by various disputes among member states. Initially scheduled for last Wednesday, the announcement was postponed primarily due to complications surrounding the Slovenian representative. However, behind this official reasoning, the real delay appeared to be driven by intense negotiations between von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding France's nomination to the commission.
The interaction culminated in a surprising twist: Thierry Breton, the incumbent French commissioner, was dismissed, which he announced publicly with indignation on social media. Observers note that this abrupt change highlights how von der Leyen is determined to maintain firm control over her commission, a body perceived to lack strong, independent figures that could challenge her authority.
Despite the notable turbulence, von der Leyen indicates she has built a commission that prioritizes the interests of Europe. Central to her mission is the need to reconcile environmental policies with the demands of industry; maintaining competitiveness and securing political stability are also essential themes. This new commission is characterized by fewer ambitious power players and more compliant representatives, as suggested by Green MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, who labeled it a 'solar system commission' where the dynamics of power are clearly defined.
The restructuring also reveals a shift in power dynamics within the EU's inner circles. Not only did von der Leyen accommodate the major EU countries by granting Vice President roles to France, Italy, and Spain, she also elevated several Eastern European nations to influential positions. Poland's Piotr Serafin will serve as Budget Commissioner, and former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will be the new EU High Representative.
This notable inclusion of Eastern European states reflects a decisive trend in EU politics, where traditionally dominant Western European nations have had to share significant portfolios with their eastern counterparts. Furthermore, von der Leyen appears to be asserting her influence by ensuring that powerful politically strong figures, who may have previously challenged her authority, are no longer present in the commission.
Moreover, von der Leyen faces criticism for failing to achieve her self-imposed gender parity goal. While 40 percent of the new commissioners are women—an increase from six to eleven—this still falls short of her target of 50 percent. Such outcomes highlight the ongoing struggles within the EU's corridors of power regarding representation.
As the new commission embarks on its mandate, questions loom over how effectively it will balance the often conflicting interests of security, environmental protection, and economic competitiveness. The recommendations for bold procedures ahead should not overlook the need for inclusivity and a comprehensive approach to gender representation, ensuring that the voices of both women and men are equally heard as Europe navigates these turbulent times.
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