Fact: That’s how it works in the EU
The most important lines of what the EU should be doing are drawn up by the member states’ heads of state and government at their summits in Brussels – formally called the European Council – which are held at least four times a year.
The leaders’ plans are then turned into ready-made proposals from the European Commission, which consists of one member from each member state – but which should only serve the EU’s interests, not represent their countries.
The proposals from the commission are then processed in parallel by the member states’ ministers in the EU Council of Ministers and by the members of the EU Parliament. The Council of Ministers meets in various configurations mainly in Brussels almost every week, while the Parliament has its regular sessions in Strasbourg, at least one week every month.
Only when the Council of Ministers and Parliament have agreed does the Commission’s proposal become a reality. Within different policy areas, the Council of Ministers and Parliament also have different influence. For example, the parliament has no say in matters of foreign and tax policy.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and his government have extra weight in the EU during the spring, with Sweden taking over the role of chairing country in the EU’s Council of Ministers from 1 January. Above all, this applies to, for example, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Climate, who all receive important tasks in leading their colleagues to agreement during all kinds of meetings and negotiations in Brussels.
The heaviest EU power still remains with the same people as usual. And some stand out more than others – probably even in 2023.
Boss Ursula
For a long time, former Chancellor Angela Merkel was considered the EU’s most important German. That role now rests instead with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who has grown stronger and stronger, just as Merkel did once upon a time.
The 64-year-old former defense and labor market minister has received plus marks for his leadership role in the EU during the corona pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine. On the minus side, there are increasing difficulties in cooperating with EU Council President Charles Michel, on the other side of the street in Brussels.
Bubbler: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz still does not have the weight that German leaders usually have within the EU. Does he grow into the role – or is he placed in the shadow of the Greens’ vice-chancellor Robert Habeck and foreign minister Annalena Baerbock?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right) receives Italy’s new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Stock Photo. Charles the Butler
When a compromise candidate is to be found within the EU, it will most often be someone from the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg). So even when Belgian former Prime Minister Charles Michel took over as Council President in 2019, with responsibility for keeping summits flowing and heads of state and government pulling in the same direction.
The 46-year-old Michel is pleasant and happy, but not always as organized and structured as his ex-colleagues would like. On a positive note, he has good connections with French President Emmanuel Macron – which, on the other hand, also causes many to dismiss Michel as nothing more than Macron’s servant.
Bubbler: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has become increasingly important in stitching together various deals in the EU. Maybe he will be the next president of the council after the EU elections in 2024?
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (centre), flanked by (left) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. Stock photo. The reformer Roberta
The Maltese speaker of the EU Parliament, Roberta Metsola, promises reforms after the bribery scandal surrounding Greek Socialist member Eva Kaili in December. Openness and honesty can bring the 43-year-old a lot of attention – and perhaps a springboard to be put forward as a candidate for the post of Commission President in 2024, if Ursula von der Leyen does not want to stay?
Bubbler: The EU Parliament is full of strong wills that like to be seen. Expect tough words from, for example, the Dutch Sophie in ‘t Veld if Sweden does not behave in the area of migration and the rule of law.
EU Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) at a press conference in Stockholm in November. Stock photo. The dictator Viktor
The one who has served the longest of all heads of government in the EU right now is Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán – who was already jokingly called a dictator in 2015 by then Commission boss Jean-Claude Juncker. Strong-willed Orbán, 59, will be a difficult nut to handle when Sweden has to mediate on migration, support for Ukraine and the rule of law. And get yes to membership in NATO.
Bubbler: Italy’s new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from the far-right Brothers of Italy has not yet really declared her colors in the EU context.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been in office since May 2010 – longer than any other current head of government in the EU. Stock photo. Humming Valdis
Valdis Dombrovskis, 51, is not very colorful, but as finance executive vice president of the European Commission, he has a key role in sewing together a good deal with the United States on trade and subsidies and Joe Biden’s much talked about inflation package, IRA. The Latvian’s words carry weight – if you can only ignore his eternal humming in between.
Bubbler: Several commissioners would like their issues to be the center of attention this spring. Frenchman Thierry Breton manages the internal market and is not afraid to fight.
Masked conversation between French Thierry Breton and Latvian Valdis Dombrovskis during one of the EU Commission’s meetings during the corona pandemic. Stock photo.