France's Influence Declines in EU Amid von der Leyen's Power Shift
- Thierry Breton, former European Commissioner, claims France's influence in the EU has diminished after his departure.
- He criticized Ursula von der Leyen for centralizing power and promoting a pro-German agenda, which he believes threatens the balance of the EU.
- Breton concluded that France's internal issues, such as high public debt, have contributed to its weakened position in Brussels.
Thierry Breton, the former European Commissioner for the internal market, expressed concerns about France's diminished influence within the European Commission following his departure. He criticized the concentration of power in the hands of Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission President, suggesting that this shift favors a pro-German agenda. Breton highlighted that France's position has weakened, now comparable to countries like Italy and Poland, due to a fragmented portfolio that previously encompassed three directorates general. He also pointed out that France's internal issues, such as high public debt and political uncertainty, have contributed to its reduced standing in Brussels. Breton warned that if the balance of power is disrupted, it could jeopardize the European project as a whole, emphasizing the need for a collective European interest rather than the dominance of a single nation.