Ursula von der Leyen Unveils New EU Commission Officials

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has revealed her new top team, tasked with navigating the European Union through a period of global uncertainty, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, rising competition from China, and the possible return of Donald Trump as U.S. president.

“It’s about strengthening our tech sovereignty, our security, and our democracy,” von der Leyen declared as she introduced the new commission during a session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

This reshuffled team, announced after weeks of political negotiations, signals the EU’s priorities for the next five years. Key appointments reflect the union’s focus on industrial strategy, defense, and climate policy as it prepares to confront mounting geopolitical challenges.

Strategic Appointments

France’s candidate, Stéphane Séjourné, was named Executive Vice President overseeing industrial strategy, a critical portfolio as the EU seeks to enhance its technological independence. Séjourné’s role will be pivotal in balancing the bloc’s industrial growth with the need to compete globally, especially with China’s rising influence.

In a move to bolster Europe’s defense, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius was appointed as the new Commissioner for Defense. Kubilius, known for his strong anti-Russian stance, reflects a shift towards a more hawkish approach in Eastern Europe, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Additionally, Spain’s Teresa Ribera, a socialist and advocate for climate action, secured a role as Executive Vice President, tasked with steering the EU’s economic transition towards carbon neutrality. Her appointment underscores the EU’s continued commitment to addressing climate change, despite Green parties’ electoral losses in June.

Rising Tensions

However, the formation of the new commission was not without controversy. French candidate Thierry Breton, previously the Internal Market Commissioner, abruptly resigned on Monday, accusing von der Leyen of pushing France to replace him. This unexpected departure has left some French officials dissatisfied with the reshuffling.

Further controversy came with Italy’s far-right representative, Raffaele Fitto, being handed a vice-presidential role overseeing cohesion. Fitto, a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, has raised concerns among centrist and leftist political groups, as Brussels tries to manage the EU’s internal political diversity.

A Political Balancing Act

Von der Leyen’s appointments highlight the delicate balancing act she faces. With the commission composed of nominees from all 27 member states, she had to navigate competing national interests while also reflecting the political power shifts after the European Parliament elections in June.

One of the most notable gaps in von der Leyen’s efforts was her inability to achieve gender parity in the commission, with women making up only 40% of the top posts, despite her call for more female nominees.

Other key appointments include Finland’s Henna Virkkunen, who takes on a critical technology and security role, and Croatia’s Dubravka Šuica, who will oversee Mediterranean affairs. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Marta Kos is expected to be appointed as the commissioner for EU enlargement, though her candidacy still requires confirmation.

Challenges Ahead

Before taking office, von der Leyen’s picks must undergo hearings and gain the approval of the European Parliament, a process that could see some candidates face rejection. Hungary’s Oliver Varhelyi, aligned with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has already been assigned a less prominent role in health and animal welfare, indicating a shift in the EU’s approach toward Hungarian representation.

Diplomatic sources caution that the commission’s target start date of November 1 is ambitious, with many expecting delays that could push the launch to December 1.

As the EU faces significant global challenges, the success of von der Leyen’s new team will be critical in shaping Europe’s response to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.