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Von der Leyen's New Commission: A New Era for the EU
2024-09-18 23:55:08
Europe
Government
Politics

Von der Leyen's New Commission: A New Era for the EU

Image courtesy of : AFP (JOHN THYS)

Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a revamped European Commission focused on security, competitiveness, and sustainability. The new team includes diverse appointments such as Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius as Defense Commissioner and Estonian Kaja Kallas as High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy.

Notably, Teresa Ribera of Spain steps in as the new Competition Commissioner, tasked with modernizing EU competition policy and advancing the Green Deal. Frenchman Stéphane Séjourné takes over a key economic portfolio, while Italy's Raffaele Fitto handles regional funding, sparking concerns over potential bias.

The Commission is marked by a significant female representation of 40%. Von der Leyen's choices aim to foster a united and forward-thinking Europe, ready to tackle contemporary challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Related news on that topic:

Von der Leyen's Vision for a Sustainable EU Future

Ursula von der Leyen's second term as President of the European Commission aims to balance ambitious environmental goals with economic growth. Key appointees like Teresa Ribera from Spain will drive a 'clean, fair, and competitive transformation,' while Italy's Raffaele Fitto may push for a rightward shift. The focus remains on cutting CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040, a significant increase from the current 2030 target. To achieve this, new policies and legal frameworks will be necessary. Dan Jørgensen from Denmark and Wopke Hoekstra from the Netherlands will spearhead initiatives to electrify the energy sector and phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Jørgensen will also develop strategies for renewable energy and energy storage, and work on reducing dependency on Russian energy imports. Ensuring a stable energy supply and integrating energy systems are also high priorities. Economic measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises will be led by France's Stéphane Séjourné. The collective efforts of this diverse team will aim to create a pragmatic and effective approach to Europe's energy and climate challenges, while addressing social impacts and striving for lower energy prices.

The Unveiling of Ursula von der Leyen's New Commission

The formation of Ursula von der Leyen's new European Commission has brought about several surprises. Austria has been allocated the Home Affairs and Migration portfolio, despite recent legal troubles with the European Court of Justice. Italy's Raffaele Fitto is appointed Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, presenting a partial victory for Prime Minister Meloni. The Commission has also seen the creation of novel hybrid portfolios, merging unrelated areas, which has raised eyebrows regarding their practical implementation. Several women from Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Finland have secured significant roles, highlighting a progressive move in gender representation. Wopke Hoekstra from the Netherlands will handle climate protection and taxation, while Spain's Teresa Ribera oversees a clean, fair, and competitive transition as Vice-President. Veterans Valdis Dombrovskis and Maroš Šefčovič have been demoted but retain key economic responsibilities. Hungary's candidate was given the Health and Animal Welfare portfolio, perceived as a slight by the Hungarian opposition. Malta has put forward the relatively inexperienced Glenn Micallef for the Mediterranean portfolio. Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov praised the innovation portfolio given to Ekaterina Zaharieva, while Finland's Henna Virkkunen has been appointed Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. Mixed reactions came from Romania regarding Roxana Mînzatu’s portfolio on People, Skills, and Readiness. Slovenia's nomination of Marta Kos for the EU enlargement role is expected to end a parliamentary hold-up. Slovakia’s Maroš Šefčovič, despite being demoted, will manage the EU's trade wars. The Commission's formation underscores significant political maneuvers and strategic placements, reflecting the intricate dynamics of European politics.

Read 2 more recent news on this topic

The press radar on this topic:

zdf
17. September 2024 um 18:49

Controversies around von der Leyen's personnel matters

Politics
EU Commission President von der Leyen presents the new Commission; Focus on security and competitiveness; new portfolios for the Mediterranean, housing and defense; Lithuanian Kubilius first Defense Commissioner; Estonian Kallas new High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy; Frenchman Séjourné receives powerful economic portfolio after the short-term resignation of Thierry Breton; Italian Fitto, member of Giorgia Meloni's Frateli d'Italia, responsible for regional funding; SPD politi..
EL PAÍS
18. September 2024 um 17:41

Von der Leyen presents her new college of commissioners as 'a great team for Europe'

Politics
Von der Leyen emphasizes that 'knowing each other is the basis for good cooperation' and is confident that her new team, highly motivated and focused, will be 'a great team for Europe' after passing the parliamentary hearings.
EuroNews
18. September 2024 um 18:14

Socialist Ribera becomes von der Leyen’s new right-hand woman

Politics
Environment
Economy
Teresa Ribera, Spain's climate expert, will become the EU's second most powerful woman as Ursula von der Leyen's new Competition Commissioner. Ribera, a vocal opponent of fossil fuels and nuclear energy, has held positions at international institutions and played a key role in negotiating the Paris Agreement and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. She was serving as Spain's Vice President and Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, working to keep Spain on track for..
EuroNews
18. September 2024 um 18:38

The new EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius seeks funds even with eurobonds

Politics
Finance
Economy
Andrius Kubilius, the new EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, is seeking funds to strengthen the military and increase competitiveness. He is considering issuing joint bonds, as suggested by Mario Draghi, as well as joint loans to finance specific projects, such as the EU's air defense system. Additionally, he plans to redirect unspent money from the Post-Pandemic Recovery Fund and mobilize funding from the European Stability Mechanism and the European Investment Bank. He will have to coord..
CW

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