Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission chief, has delayed the presentation of her new team of Commissioners and the policy areas they will helm until next week, as confirmed by three parliamentary sources. Originally expected to meet with the chairs of the European Parliament’s political factions on Wednesday, von der Leyen will no longer attend, indicating that the process of appointing the ‘college’ of Commissioners may take longer than initially anticipated. This delay is attributed in part to Slovenia’s last-minute change in its nominee to former diplomat Marta Kos, which needs ratification by the country’s parliament. Von der Leyen had lobbied several EU governments to ensure gender parity in her new team, encouraging them to replace male nominations with female candidates.
A Commission spokesperson had previously stated that the meeting scheduled for Wednesday was intended to be an “exchange of views” on the ongoing work of setting up the new college, rather than proposing the definitive structure of her team. Von der Leyen is expected to unveil her team and their roles during next week’s European Parliament’s plenary sitting in Strasbourg. This presentation will precede each nominated candidate undergoing screening in parliamentary committees and surviving a confirmation vote before being formally appointed to their positions. The process of forming the team of European Commissioners is therefore marginally delayed but remains ongoing as the Commission chief navigates the challenges and changes in nominations.
The Commission’s delay in presenting the new team reflects the complexity of the appointment process and the diplomatic efforts required to ensure the desired gender balance. Von der Leyen’s insistence on gender parity within her team underscores her commitment to diversity and representation in EU leadership roles. The last-minute changes in Slovenia’s nominee further complicate the process, requiring additional steps for ratification by the country’s parliament. Despite these challenges, von der Leyen remains dedicated to finalizing her team of Commissioners and preparing for their upcoming confirmation process in the European Parliament.
The upcoming unveiling of von der Leyen’s team and their respective roles will mark a significant moment in the formation of the new European Commission. The presentation during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg will provide insight into the structure and priorities of the Commission over the next five years. This milestone signals the culmination of extensive negotiations and consultations to assemble a diverse and capable team of Commissioners to steer the EU’s executive branch. As the confirmation process looms for nominated candidates, the Commission chief continues to navigate the complexities of appointing a team that reflects the values and goals of the European Union.
The shift in Slovenia’s nominee and the subsequent delay in presenting the new team highlight the unpredictability and fluidity of the appointment process in EU institutions. Von der Leyen’s strategic efforts to ensure gender parity and diverse representation emphasize the importance of inclusivity and equality in EU governance. The upcoming confirmation process will provide an opportunity for each nominated candidate to showcase their qualifications and vision for their respective roles within the Commission. Overall, the formation of the new team of European Commissioners represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of EU leadership, reflecting the values of unity, diversity, and collaboration within the European Union.
