Breton's Tenure at the Berlaymont: A Mixed Legacy of Controversy and Initiative
- French Commissioner Breton's return to the European Commission.
- A look back at Breton's first stint at the Berlaymont.
- Politico reflects on the political journey of the French commissioner.
In a retrospective analysis, POLITICO examines the complex tenure of French Commissioner Thierry Breton at the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters. His recent comments on social media, criticizing the European People's Party's (EPP) lukewarm support for President Ursula von der Leyen, have sparked tensions with both his French superior, President Emmanuel Macron, and the EPP itself. This incident highlights the delicate balance Breton must maintain in fostering relationships within the EU's political landscape. Breton's influence has also been felt in the realm of EU competition policy. He played a pivotal role in challenging the appointment of Fiona Scott Morton, a prominent U.S. academic, to a key antitrust position, reflecting his commitment to ensuring EU-centric leadership in critical roles. However, his confrontational approach, including public warnings to tech mogul Elon Musk regarding Twitter's compliance with EU regulations, raises questions about the appropriateness of his style for such a sensitive position. In addition to controversies, Breton has made significant strides in defense and technology. He has actively sought to bolster ammunition production for Ukraine, advocating for a €100 billion EU defense fund. Furthermore, he initiated the IRIS2 satellite program, securing €2.4 billion in EU funding to establish a communication satellite network, showcasing his ability to drive ambitious projects despite initial skepticism from member states. Overall, Breton's tenure reflects a blend of assertive policymaking and contentious interactions, positioning him as a formidable yet polarizing figure within the European Commission.