This week’s key events presented by Euronews’ editor in chief for EU policy, Jeremy Fleming-Jones, include important meetings and deadlines in the European Union. Ministers for Europe from Austria, Croatia, and Romania participated in a panel on European Strategic Sovereignty during the Europe in the World Days at Forum Alpbach in Austria. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss France’s role in the new Commission. The deadline for member states to submit nominations for Commissioners is Friday 30 August.
When Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, they discussed France’s role in the new Commission. Von der Leyen clarified that the request for male and female nominations does not apply to countries where the sitting Commissioner is renominated, such as France’s Thierry Breton. The deadline for all countries to nominate Commissioners is approaching, and several countries are yet to confirm their choices. The discussion likely focused on key elements of Breton’s future role, particularly in the digital sector.
The topic of security and defense, as well as European engagement, was also on the agenda during the meeting between von der Leyen and Macron. With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the US as Europe’s security guarantor, the EU is looking to strengthen its security efforts. This issue was also discussed by Europe ministers from Austria, Croatia, and Romania at the Forum Alpbach Europe in Austria. Von der Leyen will be monitoring French engagement at the European level as the country awaits a new government.
In August, tensions between Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly known as Twitter), and Commissioner Thierry Breton escalated. After the European Commission found that X had breached elements of the EU’s Digital Services Act, Musk threatened legal action, accusing the EU of trying to make an “illegal secret deal” with the company. Breton responded by reminding Musk to comply with legal obligations under the EU’s digital rulebook. The conflict intensified when Musk cited a satirical film in response to Breton, sparking further disagreements between the two.
As the deadline for member states to submit nominations for Commissioners approaches, the European Union is facing key decisions regarding the composition of the new Commission. Von der Leyen is expected to finalize specific roles once all countries have nominated their candidates. France’s role in the new Commission, particularly in the digital sector, is a key focus of discussions between von der Leyen and Macron. The ongoing tensions between Musk and Breton highlight the challenges the EU faces in regulating digital platforms and dealing with tech giants. The EU’s efforts to strengthen its security and defense capabilities in the face of global conflicts and uncertainties will also be key topics in the upcoming months.
