The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was re-elected on July 18 by the European Parliament for a new term as head of the Berlaymont building. She is planning to present the composition of the College of Commissioners to the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament on September 17. The spokesperson for the EU Commission, Arianna Podestà, confirmed this during a daily press briefing. The President hopes to be able to announce the composition of the College tomorrow, but she acknowledged that things can change quickly in politics.
The situation has become more complicated following the last-minute replacement of the French candidate Thierry Breton with Stéphane Séjourné. Breton resigned in protest against von der Leyen and was replaced by the French Foreign Minister from the Elysee. Additionally, there is a delay in the official nomination of the Slovenian candidate due to a parliamentary dispute with the opposition. These unexpected changes have added to the complexity of the selection process for the College of Commissioners.
The delay in finalizing the composition of the College of Commissioners is causing uncertainty and speculation within the European Parliament and beyond. The President’s attempts to form a cohesive team for the next term have been met with unexpected challenges, such as the last-minute changes in the French and Slovenian candidates. The ability to work effectively with the College of Commissioners is crucial for von der Leyen in order to implement her agenda and priorities for the European Union.
The selection of the College of Commissioners is a complex and politically sensitive process, as each member represents a different EU member state and is responsible for specific policy areas. The successful formation of the College requires careful consideration of political, geographical, and gender balance, as well as competence and experience in relevant fields. The President’s ability to navigate these challenges and form a strong team will determine the success of her leadership in the European Commission.
The ongoing discussions and negotiations surrounding the composition of the College of Commissioners highlight the importance of cooperation and consensus-building within the European Union. As the EU faces various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic recovery, it is essential for the Commission to have a united and capable team to address these issues effectively. The President’s leadership in this process will be closely watched by EU member states, the European Parliament, and the public.
Overall, the process of selecting the College of Commissioners for the next term of the European Commission is a crucial stage in shaping the future of the EU and its policies. The challenges and complexities faced by President von der Leyen in forming her team reflect the broader dynamics and tensions within the European Union. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the EU’s ability to address its current and future challenges, and the success of von der Leyen’s leadership in the coming years.
