Von der Leyen: “I do not intend to revisit the structure of the College of Commissioners”

Brussels – There is no turning back, and the structure of the College of Commissioners will not change. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, forges ahead, confident in the position that sees her as legitimized and unchallenged. Her party, the EPP, winner of the European elections, the exit of figures that were cumbersome for her, such as Margrethe Vestager, Thierry Breton, and Josep Borrell, have given her a free hand, even more so after the mistakes of the high representative Kaja Kallas, which take on the shape of a political suicide. Discontent within the Socialists, therefore, does not shake her.

The internal market is the subject of concern among the S&D  group in the European Parliament. Indeed, Maria Grapini (Romania) was alone in signing the question, complaining and contesting that “there is no Commissioner-designate with a clear portfolio for the internal market or for consumer protection.” However, as she writes, the request for clarification “has received backing from within my political group, the S&D, and the IMCO Committee (Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection),” within which MEPs representing other groups also sit.

So, others could join the perplexities of the Socialists.

The concerns related to the absence of a figure responsible for the Internal Market alone are also fueled by the Letta and Draghi reports, which “emphasize the importance of strengthening and expanding the internal market, which is the basis for the creation of the EU.”

These perplexities of the socialists are the latest manifestation of the cracks in an alliance that is far from solid, already the subject of discontent and disagreements. Ursula von der Leyen, however, is unfazed and answers the question herself in a manner that is as clear as it is decisive: “The Commission does not intend to revisit the structure of the College of Commissioners,” the president of the Community Executive clarifies, recalling that the structure of the College is the same “presented by the Commission President to the Conference of Presidents on September 17, 2024 and approved by the European Parliament on November 27, 2024.” Translated: the time for doubts, reservations, and suggestions has expired. 

As established, the work will continue with a college of commissioners “structured to ensure effective coordination and cooperation across all policy areas, with all Commissioners expected to take an active role across all priorities, including the internal market,” von der Leyen continued. For the Commission president, teamwork can produce results no less effective than an individual. So she also reassures non-Socialists, “The Commission will continue to work closely with the European Parliament, including the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection,” to ensure that the internal market and consumer protection “remain key priorities for the EU.”