Leaked Commissioner portfolios are disappointing

A leak suggests that the portfolios Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is about to announce are tailored more to individual countries' interests rather than addressing the broader European agenda, writes Cristina Vanberghen.

Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen is academic and political commentator, currently based at the European University Institute (EUI), Florence, and a senior expert at the European Commission.

I came across a leak by Euronews regarding the European Commission's proposed portfolios, which left me with serious concerns.

The image of Europe - its vision, focus, and purpose - starts with how these portfolios are designed. In the leak, it almost seems the portfolios were tailored more to individual countries' interests rather than addressing the broader European agenda. What a disappointment it is to see, next to the flag of certain nations, the label "weak portfolio." There are no inherently weak portfolios, only weak leadership or inadequate execution.

Addressing confusion and gaps in policy

A portfolio dealing with the issue of immigration—arguably one of the most critical challenges facing Europe today—is conspicuously absent. Although the document briefly mentions social housing and social issues, it is unclear whether these are tied to immigration challenges.

Housing policy, for example, is a major concern across Europe, but it’s unclear whether it falls under the exclusive competence of the EU or should be shared with national governments. A dedicated portfolio focusing on Immigration, Multicultural Affairs, and European Citizenship would be a substantial asset to the European Commission. Such a portfolio could work closely with diverse European communities to foster better integration and social cohesion.

Addressing Europe's future

Beyond immigration, other critical areas need to be included or better developed. For example, European Youth and Early Childhood Education deserve a dedicated portfolio.

Similarly, a Families and Demographic Sustainability portfolio could help address one of Europe’s most pressing social issues: declining birth rates and ageing populations. Strong family policies, including support for work-life balance, parental leave, and childcare, could reinvigorate Europe’s demographic outlook.

Health and active aging

The creation of a portfolio for Health and Active Aging is another urgent need. As Europe's population ages, the Commission should take a proactive role in helping older citizens maintain quality of life through healthcare initiatives and broader policies that promote active ageing.

Aligning agriculture with rural development

Another necessary change is integrating the Agriculture portfolio with broader rural development concerns. Agriculture cannot be viewed in isolation. This portfolio should encompass both aspects to ensure the comprehensive development of Europe’s rural areas.

Embracing the digital revolution

Finally, it is impossible to ignore the profound impact that technology is having on the European economy. A dedicated portfolio for artificial intelligence and the digital economy would allow Europe to navigate better the rapid advancements in AI and other digital technologies. This portfolio could focus on fostering innovation while addressing the ethical concerns surrounding AI, ensuring that Europe remains competitive globally.

My concerns are also about naming these European Commission portfolios, which combine broad concepts.

• "Economy &Post-Pandemic Recovery." While both are interconnected, it seems odd to still emphasise the pandemic, which could feel outdated or burdensome to many. Probably post-pandemic recovery – could be part of a portfolio called “Cohesion.”
• EU Expansion and Ukraine Recovery - mixes two significant but separate ideas: EU enlargement (likely referring to future members such as Western Balkan countries and potentially Ukraine) & Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Both deserve attention, but combining them in one title could make the portfolio seem overly broad or unfocused.
• Industry and Strategic Autonomy - The combination of “Industry” with “Strategic Autonomy” may be confusing. It might seem odd to directly link “industry” with a geopolitical goal like autonomy, though they are somewhat connected. Strategic autonomy is a buzzword in recent EU debates, especially around reducing dependency on non-EU countries like China or Russia. By combining “Industry” with “Strategic Autonomy,” the portfolio signals a shift toward industrial policy, strengthening the EU’s global independence.
• Social, Digital, Green Transition - is juggling three areas: social policy, digital transformation, & green (environmental) transition. While all three are interrelated in broad terms, cramming them into a single portfolio name makes it difficult to grasp its specific focus.

The EU often works in a multidisciplinary way. However, by grouping diverse objectives under one title, there’s a risk of blurring focus and sending a mixed message about what each Commissioner will actually be responsible for.

In conclusion, the portfolios in the leaked document seem to fall short of addressing the real challenges facing Europe today. A more comprehensive and thoughtfully designed set of portfolios, reflecting Europe’s diverse issues would better serve the European Commission’s goals and improve the well-being of all its citizens. By prioritising clarity, competence, and future-facing policies, Europe can strengthen its position and renew its sense of purpose on the global stage.