A Commission with many unknowns, few giants and women in key roles. Six executive vice-presidents, one of which is for the Italian Raffaele Fitto. This is the structure of the new EU Executive revealed today by Ursula von der Leyen. Italy snatches one of the top positions, which replace the current structure of three executive vice-presidents and four regular ones, but obtains delegations that do not have great communicative resonance. The Italian minister, expected tomorrow in Brussels for a first meeting with von der Leyen together with the entire new team, also receives the delegation for reforms and investments of the PNRR, to be managed together with the Commissioner for the Economy Valdis Dombrovskis, who obtains an important portfolio but loses the executive vice-presidency. Fitto will also have to dedicate himself to dialogue with regional and local authorities.
Von der Leyen has managed to dispel the controversy over the failure to achieve gender balance, both by increasing female representation from 22% of the candidates initially proposed to 40% – or with 11 women, including herself – and by assigning four out of six vice-presidential positions to women. Among these, the Spanish Teresa Ribera stands out, who will be executive vice-president for a clean, fair and competitive transition but also responsible for competition policy, succeeding the decade of Margrethe Vestager. She will therefore have management of the Green Deal, but this will be the prerogative of several commissioners. Then there is the Finnish Henna Virkkunen, who will be executive vice-president for technological sovereignty, security and democracy, while the high representative, the Estonian Kaja Kallas, will have to put security at the heart of the EU and build a true Defense Union. The French Stéphane Séjourné, appointed yesterday to replace Breton, will be executive vice-president for prosperity and industrial strategy.
The new commission no longer features big names like Josep Borrell, Thierry Breton, Frans Timmermans, Vestager herself or Margaritis Schinas. They are mostly figures unknown to the general public or who have played minor roles in their careers, but this does not mean they could hold any surprises. Starting with the young Romanian socialist MEP Roxana Minzatu, who will be executive vice-president for People, skills and preparation. A portfolio that is difficult to understand and it is no coincidence that socialist sources have made it known that during the evaluation process of the commissioners they will try to have the name of the delegations changed, bringing out the delegations relating to work, demography and the social pillar. All in all, it is a Commission of a few giants of European politics. Almost as if to hide a plan by von der Leyen herself to want to govern without any counterpoint and too many obstacles. Strong figures have left the field, replaced by unknown national politicians and, according to some critics, mostly “yes men”, ready to follow directives without much autonomy of thought.
Then there is the question of the assignment to Fitto, who could encounter some obstacles in the hearings, but who will likely be accepted by the forces of the majority. In entrusting him with an executive vice-presidency, von der Leyen wanted to recognize the role of Italy, as an important country and founder of the EU, but also reflect the new dynamics of the European Parliament, where not only has the cordon sanitaire fallen towards the conservatives of ECR but they have obtained two vice-presidencies. The appointment of Fitto raises “great concern” for the Greens, who warn: “the hearings will not be a walk in the park”. The liberals of Renew also say they regret this choice, “despite the alarms we have raised – they say -. But now we will evaluate the candidates for the Commission based on their skills, their abilities, their European commitments”. For the Socialists there is a political problem, because ECR was not part of the political platform that supported von der Leyen, explains President Iratxe García Pérez, but “in any case we will work responsibly and do our job in the hearings”.
The new Commission will be inspired, at least in von der Leyen’s intentions to announce, by the Draghi Report. “The entire College is committed to competitiveness! Strengthening our technological sovereignty, security and democracy. Building a competitive, decarbonized and circular economy, with a fair transition for all”, says the German leader, quoting the former president of the ECB, who is speaking today at the plenary session of the European Parliament. “We are all anxious about the future of Europe. My concern is not that we will end up poorer or that we will be subjugated to others – we still have many strengths in Europe – but that over time we will become inexorably less prosperous, less equal, less safe and, consequently, less free to choose our own destiny”, warns the former prime minister. Whether his Report will be just a diversion or whether the new Commission and the member states will really want to take it seriously will be seen in the coming months. Meanwhile, the warning is clear: “Whoever opposes the construction of a true single market, the integration of the capital market and the issuance of debt, opposes our new objectives.”
#European #Commission #Fitto #Vice #President #Von #der #Leyens #Team #Tempo
2024-09-19 06:40:10
What are the key changes in female representation within Ursula von der Leyen’s new EU Executive team?
Table of Contents
The New EU Executive: Ursula von der Leyen Unveils Her Team
In a highly anticipated move, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has revealed the structure of the new EU Executive, featuring six executive vice-presidents, including Italy’s Raffaele Fitto, and a more balanced representation of women in key roles.
A Commission of Few Giants
Unlike previous Commissions, this new team lacks big names like Josep Borrell, Thierry Breton, Frans Timmermans, Margrethe Vestager, and Margaritis Schinas. Instead, the new Commission comprises mostly unknown figures or those who have played minor roles in their careers. This shift has raised concerns among critics, who view it as a deliberate move by von der Leyen to govern without strong counterpoints and obstacles.
Women in Key Roles
Von der Leyen has successfully addressed the controversy over gender balance by increasing female representation from 22% to 40% among the 11 women in the Commission, including herself. Four out of six vice-presidential positions have been assigned to women, showcasing the Commission’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
The Italian Connection
Raffaele Fitto, the Italian minister, has been appointed as one of the executive vice-presidents, overseeing reforms and investments related to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Fitto will work closely with the Commissioner for the Economy, Valdis Dombrovskis, and will also be responsible for dialogue with regional and local authorities. This significant responsibility comes after Italy’s efforts to secure a top position in the Commission.
Other Key Appointments
The Spanish Teresa Ribera has been appointed as executive vice-president for a clean, fair, and competitive transition, as well as competition policy. The Finnish Henna Virkkunen will be executive vice-president for technological sovereignty, security, and democracy. The high representative, the Estonian Kaja Kallas, will prioritize security at the heart of the EU and work towards building a true Defense Union.
The Future of the EU
The new Commission will focus on competitiveness, strengthening technological sovereignty, security, and democracy, and building a competitive, decarbonized, and circular economy. According to von der Leyen, the entire College is committed to these goals, inspired by the Draghi Report. The Commission’s success will depend on its ability to work together and drive positive change for the future of Europe.
Challenges Ahead
The new Commission faces several challenges, including the need to address the concerns of the Greens, who have raised objections to the appointment of Fitto. The hearings will be crucial in determining the Commission’s ability to work together and drive progress. As von der Leyen navigates the complexities of European politics, the EU’s future hangs in the balance.
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Ursula von der Leyen
EU Executive
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Gender balance
Technological sovereignty
Security and democracy
National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
* Draghi Report
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Discover the new EU Executive team revealed by Ursula von der Leyen, featuring six executive vice-presidents, a more balanced representation of women, and a focus on competitiveness, security, and democracy. Learn more about the challenges ahead and the future of the EU.
– What are the potential impacts of the new EU Commission’s gender balance on future policies?
The New EU Commission: A New Era of Leadership and Uncertainty
The European Union has unveiled its new Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, with a structure that promises to bring about significant changes to the EU’s leadership and policies. The new Commission features six executive vice-presidents, including Italy’s Raffaele Fitto, who will play a crucial role in shaping the EU’s reforms and investments. However, the Commission also raises several questions about the balance of power, gender representation, and the qualifications of its members.
A Commission of Unknowns
The new Commission is notable for its lack of big names and heavyweight politicians. Gone are the likes of Josep Borrell, Thierry Breton, Frans Timmermans, Margrethe Vestager, and Margaritis Schinas, who have dominated EU politics for years. Instead, the Commission is composed of relatively unknown figures, who are largely unknown to the general public. While this may seem like a concern, it also presents an opportunity for fresh perspectives and new approaches to EU policy.
Gender Balance and Representation
One of the notable achievements of the new Commission is its improved gender balance. Von der Leyen has increased female representation from 22% to 40%, with 11 women holding key positions, including four out of six vice-presidential roles. This is a significant step forward for gender equality in the EU and sets a positive precedent for future Commissions.
Key Roles and Portfolios
The new Commission features several key roles and portfolios that will shape the EU’s policies and direction. Raffaele Fitto, Italy’s representative, will play a crucial role in reforms and investments, working closely with the Commissioner for the Economy, Valdis Dombrovskis. Teresa Ribera, Spain’s representative, will be executive vice-president for a clean, fair, and competitive transition, as well as competition policy. Henna Virkkunen, Finland’s representative, will focus on technological sovereignty, security, and democracy, while Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s representative, will prioritize security and defense.
Concerns and Controversies
Despite the positive developments, the new Commission also raises several concerns and controversies. The lack of big names and heavyweight politicians has led some to question the Commission’s ability to drive meaningful change and implement effective policies. Others have criticized the appointment of Raffaele Fitto, citing concerns about his qualifications and suitability for the role.
The Road Ahead
The new Commission will face numerous challenges in the coming months and years, from implementing the Green Deal to addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To succeed, the Commission will need to navigate the complex web of EU politics, build coalitions, and work effectively with member states and stakeholders.
Conclusion
The new EU Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, represents a significant shift in the EU’s leadership and policies. While it raises several questions and concerns, it also presents an opportunity for fresh perspectives, new approaches, and improved gender balance. As the Commission begins its work, it will be crucial to monitor its progress, hold its members accountable, and ensure that it serves the interests of the EU and its citizens.
Keywords: EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Raffaele Fitto, gender balance, leadership, policy, reforms, investments, Green Deal, COVID-19, EU politics.
