About: European Commission president

Von der Leyen likely to be confirmed as she wins majority of Socialists

A large majority of Socialist MEPs were ready to support Ursula von der Leyen to become the next president of European Commission, paving the way for her confirmation during the vote scheduled for Tuesday evening (16 July).

Former German justice minister will vote against von der Leyen

Former German Justice Minister Katarina Barley told EURACTIV in Strasbourg that she wants to vote against Ursula von der Leyen, the European Council's proposed candidate for the European Commission presidency. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Weber forced to stand aside as EU leaders bypass Spitzenkandidaten

The EPP’s lead candidate for the European Commission Manfred Weber was forced to step down from his candidacy for the post on Tuesday (2 July), as it became clear he could not obtain sufficient support from EU member states.

EU Parliament re-schedules election of its president

The election of the European Parliament's president was scheduled to take place during the inaugural session in Strasbourg. But the deadlock between EU leaders over the European Commission presidency has put that on hold. EURACTIV France reports.

Macron condemns EU Council summit as failure

At the end of the summit of EU28 leaders on Monday (1 July), French President Emmanuel Macron deplored the failure of the negotiations, saying that this blockade gave "a not-so-serious image of Europe". EURACTIV France reports.

Germany’s CDU fears loss of influence following Weber mess

German tensions over Manfred Weber's candidacy for the European Commission presidency are deeply rooted in Germany's national politics. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Why Manfred Weber will probably not be elected

It is unlikely that Manfred Weber will become President of the European Commission. This is also because Germany often acts as a 'blocker'. Gerd Appenzeller, from EURACTIV's partner Der Tagesspiegel, gives his opinion.

Margrethe Vestager, a competitive approach to environmental policy

EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a Liberal candidate to be the next Commission President, believes the key to improving Europe’s environment and fighting climate change will be implementing the laws already on the books.

The Brief – Not so soft power

Abuse of power is as old as humanity itself: denying the others’ rights helped Homo Sapiens push aside the Neanderthals.

Macron’s agenda for the informal summit

If the implementation of transnational lists for the 2019 European elections does not appear to be panning out as Emmanuel Macron wished, the French president now hopes to gain the upper hand on the appointment of the next European Commission president. EURACTIV.fr reports

Moscovici begins angling for Juncker’s job

With Jean-Claude Juncker now over the half-way point of his term at the head of the European Commission, the jostling ahead of the 2019 presidential contest has already begun. Juncker has always said he will not stand for a second term. EURACTIV Spain reports.

Juncker Commission: First year report card

Sunday (1 November) marked the first-year anniversary of the Juncker Commission. The EURACTIV team has looked over its achievements over the past twelve months, and written the executive’s end-of-year school report, grading it from A-F on different issues. 

Barroso takes stock after 10 years at the Commission

Even after two mandates characterised by successive crises, the current President of the European Commission, due to leave his post in November this year, admits he has lost some illusions about the European Union, but not his enthusiasm. EURACTIV France reports.

Michel Barnier defends his track record as Commissioner, backs Juncker

Michel Barnier stood in front of the French Senate to defend reforms of the financial system that were taken under his watch. He also reaffirmed his support for Jean-Claude Juncker as the next President of the EU Commission. EURACTIV France reports.

Think tanks brush portrait of next EU Commission chief

The identity of the next European Commission President is still unknown, but two think thanks have come together to analyse what will make the next President stand out from the rest and secure the job. EURACTIV France reports.

Merkel eyes IMF’s Lagarde for EU Commission President

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has asked France whether it would be willing to put forward International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde as president of the European Commission, two French sources briefed on the exchanges said.

Hollande and Merkel to discuss future EU Commission President

The two heads of state will meet on 9-10 May in Stralsund, Germany, for an informal discussion on the future President of the European Commission. EURACTIV France reports.

Next EU Commission President will be a polyglot

Being able to speak many languages is an important skillset for any high-ranking European politician. When it comes to language skills, some candidates for the presidency of the European Commission have a clear linguistic advantage. EURACTIV France reports.

Schulz, Juncker tell Van Rompuy ‘the old days are over’

The two lead candidates in the race for the European elections have reacted vigorously to statements by Council President Herman Van Rompuy, who scorned the parties’ attempt to put forward candidates for the European Commission's presidency.

Top Commission official to manage Juncker’s campaign

Martin Selmayr, the head of cabinet of EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding, has been appointed campaign manager for centre-right candidate Jean-Claude Juncker.