The new European Commission outlined by Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen faces potential challenges, including exotic hybrid portfolios, overlapping policies, and candidates with controversial pasts. Von der Leyen aims to eliminate rigid structures within the Commission to prevent isolated and contradictory policymaking. However, the complex compound portfolios and overlapping responsibilities assigned to her deputies pose the risk of creating confusion and inefficiency within the Commission.
One prominent feature of the new portfolios is the creation of exotic compound briefs, where responsibilities are paired in unconventional ways. For example, Slovakia’s Maroš Šefčovič will oversee trade and relations with other institutions, while Denmark’s Dan Jørgensen will handle housing and energy. Belgium’s Hadja Lahbib is tasked with crisis management and equality, a combination that has raised concerns among activists. The rationale behind these pairings may be based on the candidates’ qualifications, such as Šefčovič’s experience in various roles and Lahbib’s diverse background.
The overlapping responsibilities among portfolios could lead to duplication and territorial disputes within the Commission. For instance, there remains a dispute over food policy between the Commission’s health and agriculture services, despite attempts to clarify responsibilities in the new roster. Additional challenges may arise from the need for cooperation between commissioners with potentially conflicting duties, such as resolving tensions in the Middle East and addressing foreign policy challenges.
Some of von der Leyen’s picks for commissioners may face resistance during the confirmation process in the European Parliament. For example, the Netherlands’ Wopke Hoekstra, responsible for climate and tax issues, has ties to tax havens and may face scrutiny for his country’s tax practices. Ireland’s Michael McGrath, who opposed a referendum to legalize abortion, might also encounter challenges due to his assignment to the justice portfolio. Past controversial positions on sensitive issues could affect the confirmation of these candidates.
Overall, the new European Commission faces potential hurdles in achieving its goals due to the complexities of the portfolios, overlapping responsibilities, and the controversial backgrounds of some candidates. While von der Leyen aims to streamline the Commission’s operations and promote efficiency, the presence of exotic hybrid portfolios and candidates with contentious pasts may hinder the Commission’s ability to function effectively. Cooperation between commissioners and resolving territorial disputes will be essential in ensuring the success of the Commission’s agenda.
