The European Union executive branch is set to be led by a center-right team following a deal between the three major centrist political groups in the European Parliament. The new top brass, led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will face pressure from right-wing forces in their second term.
The European Union (EU) executive branch is set to be led by a center-right team, following a deal between the three major centrist political groups in the European Parliament.
The Path Ahead
The new top brass, led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will face pressure from right-wing forces in their second term. The team of 27-strong officials is set to take office on December 1, with the EPP group having strengthened its hand. This development has significant implications for the EU’s policy agenda, particularly on climate and migration issues.
Policy Shifts Ahead
According to Eric Maurice of the European Policy Centre, an independent think tank, the new college of European commissioners is not significantly more right-wing than its predecessor in terms of balance. However, there will be policy shifts on climate and agriculture, reflecting a backlash from industry and public opinion.
Challenges Ahead
Von der Leyen must address challenges such as laying out a new concept for agriculture policy, presenting new ideas for defense in an increasingly precarious geopolitical environment, and setting out a new long-term budget for the EU. The pending return of Donald Trump as US president will likely dominate the EU policy agenda, forcing the bloc to answer difficult questions about its support for Ukraine and potential tariffs.
Right-Wing Influence
While some argue that the new college of European commissioners is more right-wing, others see it as a reflection of shifting public opinion. The EPP’s strength has been bolstered by recent European elections, which have seen the rise of the far-right in many countries. This development has significant implications for the EU’s policy agenda and its relationships with other global powers.
Key Figures
Teresa Ribera, a Spanish Socialist from the S&D group, faced resistance over her handling of recent floods in Valencia, while Raffaele Fitto, an Italian from the far-right European Conservative and Reformists (ECR) group, was considered unacceptable for many on the left. Both nominees were eventually approved by EPP and S&D leaders.
Greens’ Concerns
The Greens have expressed concerns that the Social Democrats are breaking a core campaign promise by siding with the far right to support commissioner candidates from Hungary and Italy. The outcome of the deal has significant implications for the EU’s policy agenda and its relationships with other global powers.
Center-Right European People’s Party (EPP) Group Strengthens Its Hand
With burning questions about the climate and migration on the table, it is the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) group that seems to have most strengthened its hand. The EPP has emerged as kingmaker in a more politically fragmented parliament, he argued, and will be able to team up with forces to its political left and right.
Deal Reached Between EPP and S&D Groups
The three major centrist political groups in the European Parliament announced a deal to approve the entire 27-strong lineup on Wednesday night after weeks of grappling, pledging in a joint statement to “work together with a constructive approach.”
Challenges Ahead for EU Commission
Challenges on the horizon include:
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Laying out a new concept for agriculture policy
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Presenting new ideas for defense in an increasingly precarious geopolitical environment
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Setting out a new long-term budget for the EU
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Answering difficult questions about its support for Ukraine and potential tariffs
