Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Commissioner President Ursula von der Leyen will no longer meet MEPs to discuss the formation of her new team.
European Commissioner President Ursula von der Leyen is postponing the announcement of the EU Commission’s new cabinet, amidst a constant struggle to appoint a gender-balanced commission, according to sources. Ursula von der Leyen has delayed the exhibition of her new team of Commissioners and the policy areas they will drive until next week.
The EU Commission chief was expected to meet the chairs of the European Parliament‘s political factions to discuss progress in setting together her 26-strong team of European Commissioners, charged with steering the work of the EU’s powerful executive for the next five years. That meeting has now been delayed to 09.00 next Tuesday, signalling that the process of selecting the ‘College’ of Commissioners could take longer than expected.
What Are the Challenges Facing von der Leyen’s New Team Formation?
The EU Commission and the EU Parliament say the hold is due to Slovenia’s last-minute change in its nominee to ex-diplomat Marta Kos, which was announced by the government in Ljubljana on Monday but which ought to be ratified by the country’s parliament. Kos’s nomination is anticipated to be confirmed by Friday. Slovenia’s change came after von der Leyen lobbied a handful of EU governments to substitute their male nominations with women, as a component of her push to ensure gender parity in her new team.
Moreover, Malta’s nominee, Glenn Micallef, has discovered himself caught up in the turbulence, with von der Leyen reportedly questioning Malta to withdraw his nomination and submit a woman in his stead. Micallef’s absence of political experience is considered to have complicated matters and put him in the firing line. Sources in Brussels indicated that von der Leyen was eyeing a second term for sitting commissioner Helena Dalli, an action that the government is believed to view with hesitation. Both Micallef and the government have remained tight-lipped in recent weeks, only stating that talks are taking place.
What Role Does Gender Balance Play in von der Leyen’s Cabinet Choices?
She has voiced exasperation at the lack of female nominees initially made by EU governments, stating that without her efforts only four women candidates would have been in the original running for one of the 26 coveted jobs. All selected candidates must undergo a grilling in parliamentary committees and endure a confirmation vote before they can be formally appointed.
