Challenges and Priorities for the New European Commission
Executive Summary
The new European Commission faces a challenging term with geopolitical tensions and deep internal divisions.
Strengthening defence capabilities and creating a unified defence market are key priorities amid rising global threats.
The European Green Deal targets carbon neutrality by 2050, despite internal disagreements on climate policy.
Boosting competitiveness through innovation and reducing bureaucracy is vital, but internal cohesion remains challenging.
‘ For the first time in decades our freedom is under threat. It is our responsibility to do all that is necessary to protect our European citizens. Protecting Europe is Europe's duty.’ - Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Today marks the beginning of what looks like a challenging five years for the new European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. The newly composed Commission consists of 27 members and was endorsed by the European Parliament with 370 votes in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstentions. This vote represents the lowest level of consensus in the history of the European Union, underscoring the deep divisions within the Union as it confronts an increasingly complex global landscape.
Growing international challenges will test von der Leyen's leadership as Europe grapples with geopolitical tensions, security threats, and internal divisions. Acknowledging these challenges, von der Leyen has strategically appointed a team of commissioners to address key areas such as defence, climate policy, and European competitiveness.
A Stronger Defence Posture Amid Global Tensions
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by von der Leyen is the need to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities in response to escalating threats, particularly from Russia and China. She stressed the urgency of increasing defence spending to maintain European support for Ukraine, pointing out that Russia is investing up to 8% of its GDP in defence, while Europe's average, including UK contributions, amounts to just 0.2%. With the resurgence of former U.S. President Donald Trump and the possibility of reduced American support for both Ukraine and European security, von der Leyen has called for the establishment of "a single market for defence" within the EU, ensuring that Europe can act independently and strategically in the face of rising global tensions.
The Commission’s defence agenda is clear: greater investment and unity are essential to safeguard European security and ensure long-term stability. This is where Andrius Kubilius will come in, driving investment and cooperation. However, the path forward will be complicated by internal EU divisions, notably over defence funding priorities and differing national interests in security.
European Green Deal and Economic Agility
Another major priority for von der Leyen is the continued implementation of the European Green Deal, with the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Despite recent concerns over the EU’s ability to meet these targets, von der Leyen reaffirmed that climate policy remains central to the Commission's agenda. To achieve these goals, she emphasised the need for greater agility and targeted support for European businesses, especially those in high-emission sectors that may face difficulties transitioning to a green economy.
However, the appointment of Raffaele Fitto, a far-right politician from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, as Executive Vice President has sparked significant rifts within the European Parliament. Though he has not specifically taken a stance on climate issues, even avoiding questions in his confirmation hearings, his belonging to the Brothers of Italy complicates issues as they seem to have a two-faced approach to climate policy. Nearly half of the Green bloc in the Parliament voted against von der Leyen’s appointment, signalling their discontent with the Commission’s approach to environmental policy and the political dynamics within the EU due to Fitto.
Addressing European Competitiveness
In line with the findings of Mario Draghi’s recent report on European competitiveness, von der Leyen has acknowledged that Europe’s economic and security future depends on its ability to compete, innovate, and produce. As the global economy becomes ever more competitive, the Commission will need to implement policies that foster innovation, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and position Europe as a leader in emerging industries, such as technology, clean energy, and defence.
The challenge will be balancing these ambitious goals with the need for internal cohesion, as tensions between member states over economic priorities will likely persist throughout the mandate.
Next Steps
The new commissioners will begin working on legislative proposals that will shape the future of the European Union. The European Parliament and member states will scrutinise these proposals, and their outcomes will determine the direction of the EU for years to come. Unity in the face of division and bold leadership will be key to the Commission’s success.
The following Commissioners will begin working on their new law propositions today.
Teresa Ribera Rodríguez: Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Spain
Henna Virkkunen: Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Finland
Stéphane Séjourné: Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, France
Kaja Kallas: High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Estonia
Roxana Mînzatu: Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparedness, Romania
Raffaele Fitto: Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Italy
Maroš Šefčovič: Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, Slovenia
Glenn Micallef: Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Malta
Valdis Dombrovskis: Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification, Latvia
Dubravka Šuica: Commissioner for Mediterranean, Croatia
Olivér Várhelyi: Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Hungary
Christophe Hansen: Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Luxembourg
Wopke Hoekstra: Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Netherlands
Andrius Kubilius: Commissioner for Defence and Space, Lithuania
Marta Kos: Commissioner for Enlargement, Slovenia
Jozef Síkela: Commissioner for International Partnerships, Czechia
Costas Kadis: Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Cyprus
Maria Luís Albuquerque: Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Portugal
Hadja Lahbib: Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Belgium
Magnus Brunner: Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Austria
Jessika Roswall: Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Sweden
Apostolos Tzitzikostas: Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Greece
Piotr Serafin: Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Poland
Dan Jørgensen: Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Denmark
Ekaterina Zaharieva: Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Bulgaria
Michael McGrath: Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, Ireland