The upcoming unveiling of the new College of Commissioners in the EU has sparked speculation, with members of President Ursula von der Leyen’s European People’s Party (EPP) seemingly set to dominate key positions. An internal document reveals that the EPP is likely to claim highly coveted policy areas, including those traditionally eyed by socialists and liberals. This includes the potential appointment of EPP members to roles such as employment, housing, and competition portfolios. Von der Leyen, who was reappointed in July with support from various political groups, will need approval from MEPs for the Commission to serve for the next five years.
Socialist and liberal candidates are also expected to secure positions within the new EU executive. Socialist candidates, such as Pedro Sánchez’s pick Teresa Ribera, may receive senior positions, while others are likely to land less influential roles. Similarly, liberal party nominees are anticipated to be assigned roles such as home affairs, financial services, and economic portfolios. The leak also confirms that three executive vice presidencies will be allocated to France, Italy, and Spain, with specific roles being assigned to respective candidates from these countries.
The leak also provides insight into the likely assignments for other EPP Commissioners. Competitiveness may go to candidates from Finland or Sweden, while trade is expected to be handed to the Netherlands. Additionally, the document suggests that security may go to a Lithuanian Commissioner, strengthening Baltic influence over foreign policy. Energy, agriculture, and other portfolios are also expected to remain under EPP control, with candidates from various countries in contention for these roles.
There are indications in the document that some incumbents and specific candidates may face challenges in being approved for their positions by the European Parliament. In the event that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s appointee, Oliver Varhelyi, is rejected, Enikő Győri, a member of Fidesz, may be considered as a replacement candidate. This move could potentially assist von der Leyen in achieving gender parity within the new College of Commissioners.
The final portfolios for the new EU executive will be officially announced by von der Leyen on September 11th. It is expected that the EPP will hold a significant number of powerful positions within the Commission, with socialists, liberals, and other political groups also securing key roles. The distribution of responsibilities among different countries and political affiliations will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of EU policies over the next five years.
Overall, the leaked information provides a glimpse into the possible composition of the next EU executive, highlighting the dominance of the EPP in key policy areas. The appointments of various Commissioners to influential roles will have a significant impact on the decision-making processes within the EU, as well as on the implementation of policies related to areas such as employment, housing, and competition. The final confirmation of the portfolios next week will shed more light on the distribution of responsibilities and the power dynamics within the Commission.
