The EU’s Broken Commission Model
This year’s shambles around appointing Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President shown just how absurd the system has become.
Close-Up: Phil Hogan
Known as a tough negotiator, the EU’s future trade commissioner is used to being unpopular.
An EU Delayed
On November 1, the UK was supposed to have left the EU, and Ursula von der Leyen was supposed to start her job as Commission President. Neither will happen.
Europe’s Geo-Economic Commission
Ursula von der Leyen is pushing aside traditional foreign policy in order to focus on an area where the EU has more power: economics.
Close-Up: Josep Borrell
A formidable Spaniard is about to take over as Europe’s chief diplomat, and he will strive to make the EU a heavyweight in international affairs.
Trouble for Von Der Leyen’s Eastern Flank
The European Parliament has rejected the Hungarian and Romanian commissioner nominees, and the Polish nominee is in serious trouble.
Von Der Leyen Sets Out Vision For A Sovereign EU
The new European Commission line-up signals an appetite to take on the United States, China, and Russia
Von der Leyen’s in and the Spitzenkandidat’s Dead
The German defence minister has squeaked through by just nine votes. But it is the EU institutions, and not Von der Leyen, who are to blame.
A German Paradox
For the first time in over 50 years, a German has been nominated as President of the European Commission. Yet Ursula von der Leyen’s loudest critics are back home.
The Kiss of Death for the Spitzenkandidat System?
By fielding a seven-person team of EU election candidates, Europe’s Liberals have disrupted the Spitzenkandidat system for choosing the next Commission president.
Manfred Weber’s Balancing Act
The CSU politician is bidding to unite Angela Merkel’s center-right and Viktor Orbán’s hard-right strands of conservatism.
