Ursula von der Leyen’s new team for a second term at the head of the European Commission will include eleven women, or a proportion of 40%, the German official at the European Parliament in Strasbourg announced on Tuesday, September 17.
Ursula von der Leyen, who wanted parity in this team of 27 commissioners, explained that the initial proposals from the member states gave a share of 22% of women. “This was completely unacceptable,” she stressed, while acknowledging that, despite the progress made in the final stretch, there was “still a lot of work to be done.”
Fitto becomes vice-president
Italian Raffaele Fitto, Minister for European Affairs in the far-right government of Giorgia Meloni, was appointed vice-president of the European Commission on Tuesday, despite criticism from the left and centre of the European political spectrum.
The announced appointment to this post of this member of Giorgia Meloni’s post-fascist Fratelli d’Italia (FDI) party has in recent weeks provoked an outcry among the left and centre forces in the European Parliament, where his hearing promises to be stormy. The new European Commission must still receive the approval of MEPs before taking office.
Séjouré appointed to industrial strategy
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, a close friend of Emmanuel Macron, will take over a key portfolio for industrial strategy in the new European Commission, President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday.
The new commissioner, chosen at the last minute to the detriment of the outgoing Thierry Breton, will be responsible for the recovery of European industry, a major priority for the coming years. He will inherit the title of executive vice-president.
Kubilius at the Defense
Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius was appointed European Commissioner for Defence and Space on Tuesday, a new position created by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in response to the Russian threat and the war in Ukraine.
A former two-time prime minister, credited with his country’s economic recovery during the 2008 financial crisis, he will have to strengthen defence in Europe, a priority of the new Commission. But the extent of his responsibilities, and the means at his disposal, remain to be specified.
Ribera to the Ecological Transition
Spain’s Ecology Minister Teresa Ribera has been given a broad portfolio dedicated to the “clean, fair and competitive” ecological transition in the new European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday.
The 55-year-old socialist, close to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, will be executive vice-president in the new team, the German leader said.