How von der Leyen took charge

After extensive negotiations among EU member states, Ursula von der Leyen has emerged as a more assertive Commission President during her second term. In recent weeks, she has successfully influenced member states to nominate candidates that align with her preferences, indicating a shift towards a more consolidated European executive. Notably, Roxana Mănzatu replaced Victor Negrescu as Romania's nominee, while Stéphane Séjourné took over for Breton, suggesting prearranged agreements influenced by personal dynamics. The new lineup of commissioners, presented by von der Leyen on September 17, has raised eyebrows among journalists and EU observers, who are trying to decipher the organizational structure of the Commission. Despite von der Leyen's satisfaction with her new team, the path to approval in Parliament is expected to be challenging. Key figures such as Hadja Lahbib from Belgium and Raffaele Fitto from Italy are likely to face intense scrutiny during their upcoming hearings. The hearings, originally anticipated to start soon, have been delayed until mid-October due to two plenary sessions that require the Parliament to relocate from Brussels to Strasbourg. This logistical challenge has left little room for the necessary discussions with the new commissioners. As the Parliament prepares to engage with the new team, there are concerns regarding Romania's portfolio assignment, with some suggesting that a more strategic role would have been beneficial given Romania's position in Europe. Overall, von der Leyen's approach signals a more resolute leadership style, which may reshape the dynamics within the European Commission and its interactions with member states and Parliament. As the new commissioners prepare for their hearings, the political landscape in Europe is poised for significant developments in the coming months.