About: Ursula von der Leyen
Is von der Leyen on course to ease tensions with Hungary?
European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen's Commissioner pick for the enlargement and neighbourhood policy, the former Hungarian Justice Minister László Trócsányi, is appearing to be a particularly controversial one, though it may be motivated by her wish to cool tensions between Brussels and Budapest,
Commissioners assemble: Class of 2019-2024
European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled who will do what job in her administration, insisting hers will be a “geopolitical Commission”. Stay tuned here for all the details. UPDATE: Dates for Commissioner hearings have now been released...
EPP boss backs ‘European way of life’ job title
European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber lent his full support to the ‘Protecting the European Way of Life’ job title on Tuesday (17 September), insisting it is the best way to combat far-right narratives. The Bavarian politician told reporters: “is...
No reset on EU-Africa relations under von der Leyen
Speculation that Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen could appoint a Commissioner specifically for Africa turned out to be much ado about almost nothing, if her team of Commission nominees unveiled last week is anything to go by.
The new EU Commission shows newfound lust for power
It is hard not to see Emmanuel Macron's influence in Ursula von der Leyen's speech presenting her team of Commissioner-designates, or in the amount of top EU jobs obtained by France. But the idea of a powerful Europe is also seducing the Germans. EURACTIV France reports.
Belgian Commissioner-pick faces corruption probe
The man Ursula von der Leyen chose to be her rule of law guard dog in the incoming European Commission is facing allegations of corruption and money-laundering, according to Belgian media. This could cast doubt on another member of her proposed college before all candidates are vetted by the European Parliament.
Le Pen hails EU ‘way of life’ job as victory on path to Élysée
French far-right opposition leader Marine Le Pen waded into controversy over the appointment of an EU Commissioner for "protecting the European way of life", endorsing a move that has stoked concern about rising populism across the continent.
Orban hopeful on ties with von der Leyen’s Commission
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Thursday (12 September) he was optimistic that the new European Commission would improve ties with the EU's eastern members, long strained by disagreements over migration and multi-culturalism.
Altmaier’s cloud initiative and the pursuit of European digital sovereignty
In October, German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier is set to reveal more detailed plans for the establishment of a landmark European Cloud initiative known as 'Gaia-X.'
Italy’s Conte proposes a ‘pact’ to start honeymoon with Commission
Freshly re-appointed as Italy's prime minister, Giuseppe Conte has meaningfully chosen Brussels and the EU institutions for his first official visit, aiming to lay down weapons and start a new give-and-take relation with the European Commission.
A European ‘Mare Nostrum’ instead of Operation Sophia 2.0
An EU mission within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy is not the adequate instrument for controversial domestic issues such as migration, writes Tobias Pietz.
Von der Leyen’s Commission: More presidentialist, more parliamentarian
The College put forward by Ursula von der Leyen builds on lessons learned from the sometimes negative experience of the Juncker Commission, writes Robert Stüwe.
Romania withdraws substitute Commissioner pick after pressure tells
Romania has dropped its insistence on having a replacement Commissioner join Jean-Claude Juncker’s outgoing administration for the final two months of its mandate.
A new team to defend Europe’s economic sovereignty
Achieving a “more assertive” Europe that can improve its competitiveness and sovereignty in an increasingly hostile world. These are the main guidelines of President-elect Ursula von der Leyen to the new College of Commissioners, unveiled on Tuesday (10 September).
Vestager the digital chief in name, but Goulard in practice
The EU's Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager received broad support on Tuesday (10 September) following her nomination as the Commission's Executive Vice President for Digital.
Von der Leyen assigns defence challenge to France
France's former defence minister, Sylvie Goulard, has been proposed as the EU's internal market Commissioner. But her new portfolio also includes a strengthened European defence file, which analysts say will be her biggest challenge.
Green Deal branded as ‘hallmark’ of new European Commission
"I want the European Green Deal to become Europe's hallmark,” said European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen, as she tasked her second-in-command with overseeing Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by mid-century.
EU eyes end of energy tax waivers for air and sea transport sectors
The European Union is studying a reform of energy taxes to align them with climate targets, an EU document showed, listing as possible measures higher minimum tax rates, fossil fuel levies and the end of waivers for the air and sea transport sectors.
EIB begins metamorphosis into climate bank
European Investment Bank (EIB) directors will begin discussing on Tuesday (10 September) an updated lending policy which could see the EU bank stop funding fossil fuel projects. But some member states and even the European Commission might push for a more reserved approach.
Tweets of the Week: Westminster debacle, Italy’s new government, and VDL’s squad
This week, Westminster debacle left us all slack-jawed, Italy’s new government is a little bit odd, and Vdl has her full Commission squad.
Babis: Rule-of-law job would be great honour for Czech Republic
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has scolded Politico for publishing what he said was old and unconfirmed information about a potential rule-of-law portfolio for the Czech Commission candidate Věra Jourová. But he did say this portfolio would be a prestigious one. EURACTIV Czech Republic reports.
France proposes europhile Sylvie Goulard as Commissioner
France has proposed Sylvie Goulard as its European Commissioner candidate. An expert on European issues, the former centrist MEP was central to helping Emmanuel Macron develop his European contacts during his successful 2017 presidential campaign. EURACTIV France reports.
Von der Leyen offers Poland agriculture portfolio, candidate withdraws
Ursula von der Leyen, the incoming president of the European Commission, has offered Poland the agriculture portfolio in her new executive. But designated Polish pick Krzysztof Szczerski ruled himself out of the running and withdrew his candidacy.