Fri Sep 20 05:59:37 UTC 2024: ## EU Commission Unveils New Lineup: Politics Trumps Expertise in Key Appointments
**BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND** – Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission has been unveiled, sparking debate over the balance between political considerations and expertise in key appointments. While the new team features a strong focus on women and key areas like digital technology and defense, critics argue that the appointment process prioritized national interests and the President’s power, potentially undermining the Commission’s effectiveness.
The appointment of Thierry Breton as Commissioner for the Internal Market was withdrawn following pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron, leading to a reshuffling of portfolios. This move, according to experts, significantly weakens the Commission’s capacity to pursue ambitious digital policies like the Digital Services Act.
Despite the creation of a new Tech Sovereignty role headed by Finnish Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, responsibility for managing algorithms and tackling misinformation is scattered across other Commissioners. Lithuania’s Andrius Kubilius will oversee the new EU Space Law as Commissioner for Defence and Space, a move seen as a reward to Baltic states for their support of Ukraine. This new role emphasizes the EU’s growing interest in bolstering its defense capabilities and creating a more unified defense industry.
While von der Leyen championed the appointment of more women, several controversial choices raised eyebrows. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, for instance, secured a senior role for her commissioner Rafaele Fitto, despite concerns about his qualifications. Spain’s Teresa Riberia also secured a significant green economic portfolio, despite objections from other countries.
The overall impression is that the new Commission is heavily influenced by political considerations, with appointments potentially favoring certain countries and weakening the focus on expertise. This, according to analysts, strengthens the power of the President and the Commission staff over individual Commissioners, potentially limiting their autonomy and effectiveness.
The European Parliament will have to approve the appointments in October. The formation of cabinets will be particularly important, as many Commissioners lack specific experience in their designated portfolios, leaving much power in the hands of civil servants.
The new Commission, while striving for a unified approach, faces challenges in balancing political maneuvering with the need for effective governance and expert leadership. The coming months will be crucial to see how the team navigates these complexities and delivers on its promises.
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