Von der Leyen postpones presentation of new EU commission until Sept. 17

Brussels – The presentation of the structure of the new European Commission, chaired for the second time by Ursula von der Leyen, will not take place tomorrow (Sept. 11) but on Sept. 17 in Strasbourg.

The President was invited at the conference of European Parliament group leaders to announce the composition of “her team” for the second term, but she announced today that she would not attend the working lunch. The Commission asked the European Parliament to postpone the meeting in Strasbourg until next Tuesday (Sept. 17) at 9 a.m. to have a complete list.

A Commission spokesperson explained the rationale: one has to wait for the pronouncement of the Slovenian parliament on the Marta Kos nominee, which will take place on Friday, and which will make official and final Kos’s nomination.

At the request of the @EU_Commission, the presentation by President @vonderleyen of EC structure and portfolios to EP leaders will take place on 17th of September at 9 am CEST in Strasbourg. Parliament stands ready to open the confirmation hearings process.

— Delphine Colard (@DelphineColard) September 10, 2024

European Parliament spokeswoman Delphine Colard posted on X, confirming the official meeting’s postponement until next week.

Sept. 17 will be crucial for the second von der Leyen term. There remains great anticipation for the distribution of portfolios to the appointed commissioners, who, at the end of the month, perhaps on the 23rd, are expected to begin the Parliamentary vetting process, with an outcome that is anything but obvious.