Op-Ed: Von der Leyen Commission II - An attempt to balance out the European shift to the right?
Ursula von der Leyen attends recent EU-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (Source: AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
As the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen holds a pivotal role in the institutional framework of the European Union (EU). She is tasked with proposing and implementing legislation, representing the EU on the international stage, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Commission. Situated at the heart of the European Union, the Commission is responsible for crafting and implementing policy while upholding EU treaties and advancing the collective interests of its member states.
Von der Leyen, a seasoned German politician, ascended to the presidency of the European Commission in 2019 after a notable political career. Prior to her current role, she served as Germany’s Minister of Defense and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs. Her leadership in these roles showcased her strategic acumen and commitment to public service, preparing her for the challenges of leading the EU.
During her first term, Von der Leyen faced a myriad of obstacles, notably navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her response to the crisis was marked by efforts to coordinate a cohesive EU-wide strategy and secure vaccine supplies for member states. While vaccine distribution was successful overall, her role was marred in controversy surrounding the transparency of the rollout. Meanwhile, she also had to manage the complexities of Brexit, striving to maintain strong ties and negotiate terms with the United Kingdom.
Moreover, von der Leyen confronted escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Her diplomatic efforts aimed to de-escalate conflicts and uphold the EU's commitment to peace and stability, underscoring her role as a key player in managing global affairs during turbulent times. Her re-election was facilitated by her ability to navigate complex political landscapes, foster unity among member states, and implement effective policies that resonate with the EU's long-term vision.
The main European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. (Source: WindEurope)
One of the most formidable challenges she faces in her upcoming term is the EU's shift to the right, which is already altering internal political dynamics. The elections of far-right leaders, notably in Hungary, Austria, and Italy, has created divisions in viewpoints between EU member states. The EU is failing to present a united front on issues of immigration and the war in Ukraine. One of the core values of the EU is maintaining and promoting democracy — something these far-right leaders appear to have little interest in doing. As a result, the EU, and consequently the Commission, have had to shift policy perspectives to include a far broader segment of the political spectrum. The second Von Der Leyen Commission reflects this shift and managing it will be the biggest test of Von Der Leyen’s leadership in the upcoming term.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meet in Rome, Italy, June 2024. (Source: REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane)
As Von Der Leyen embarks on her second term as President of the European Commission, her selection of key figures for the new Commission is under intense scrutiny. The new Commission's key selections reflect a strategic approach to gender parity and political positioning within the European Union. Although Von Der Leyen asked each country to nominate both a male and a female candidate, most did not comply, resulting in a gender split of 40/60 in favor of male commissioners. However, the Commission boasts a significant female presence among the vice presidents, with women holding four out of six positions.
Notable changes include former French commissioner Thierry Breton, who stepped down after Von Der Leyen downgraded his portfolio due to differences of opinion, as well as the downgrade of commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Orban in Hungary from his former role on neighborhood and enlargement to a post on animal welfare.
Key figures in the new commission include Kaja Kallas, the former prime minister of Estonia and a staunch pro-Ukraine advocate, who was given the foreign policy portfolio. This selection underscores the EU's firm stance against Russia and its commitment to presenting a united front in support of Ukraine.
Former Estonian Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, meet in April 2023. (Source: AFP/Genya Savilov)
Other interesting picks include Raffaele Fitto and Hadja Lahbib, the Italian and Belgian commissioners-designate, respectively. Fitto, a far-right member of Giorgia Meloni’s government, has been given the vice-presidency for reform. This is surprising, as his views do not align with Von Der Leyen’s center-left politics. Fitto has also been charged with bribery and insider trading, though he was acquitted in both cases. Lahbib on the other hand fits with the general politics of the commission, but in 2023 she faced calls to resign from her post as foreign affairs minister for issuing visas to 14 Iranian officials to attend the Brussels Urban Summit.
Overall, the new commission faces the challenge of balancing continuity with necessary change and EU reforms. The immediate introduction of new immigration legislation highlights the urgent need for a response to ongoing crises and the mitigation of potential tensions arising among member states and external partners. Striking a balance between the EU’s goals of sustainability, digitalization, and social equity is critical, yet achieving consensus remains complex.
Von der Leyen’s leadership style, characterized by a pragmatic yet cautious approach, shapes the commission’s path. However, this style may not be sufficient to overcome the deep-rooted political divisions. The European Parliament and member states hold significant influence, and their cooperation is essential in shaping a cohesive agenda. Long-term, the EU’s global standing could be at risk if it fails to effectively navigate internal divisions.
The potential impact of von der Leyen’s new selections on the EU is uncertain, as their active engagement and support from stakeholders is required to steer the commission towards its goals. As the new Commission is now expected to start on December 1st, the EU must confront the challenge of a political shift to the right, which threatens to redefine its core values and strategic outlook.