Incoming European Commission president to unveil proposed team
Incoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present her proposed team of 26 commissioners today, which will be responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions and upholding European Union treaties.
While the beginning of the new Commission’s tenure will likely focus on Brexit, the EU’s executive branch also has an extensive policy agenda. This includes minimum wage protections, pay transparency measures, fiscal policies, migration and a “green new deal.”
Ms von der Leyen’s selections are likely to be met with scrutiny from the European Parliament, particularly given the circumstances under which she rose to power – she did not run for the position but rather was selected by the European Council and was approved by a small majority. The incoming EC chief has already faced criticism from populist and conservative groups, who suggest that her proposed team will align with liberal policies, compromising the objectivity of the role.
Given the historic levels of polarisation among European lawmakers, it is possible that some of Ms von der Leyen’s team may fail to get approval—a first in European political history.
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