European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a new leadership team for her upcoming five-year tenure, with women holding prominent roles in her administration despite opposition from several member states. Von der Leyen announced on September 19, 2024, that only two men would serve in top positions, with four women appointed as vice presidents, including Kaja Kallas as foreign policy chief.
At a glance:
- Women dominate the top positions in von der Leyen’s new EU leadership team, including four female vice presidents.
- Von der Leyen’s push for gender parity faced resistance, with member states initially nominating only 22% female candidates.
- Raffaele Fitto, a member of Italy’s far-right Brothers of Italy party, was controversially appointed as executive vice president, sparking criticism.
Von der Leyen’s decision to appoint Spanish Socialist Teresa Ribera to oversee the green transition, Finland’s Henna Virkkunen as rule of law and digital leader, and Romania’s Roxana Minzatu to lead social affairs signifies a shift toward greater female representation in the European Commission. However, she acknowledged the challenge of securing gender parity, saying that despite her efforts, the final Commission makeup stands at 40% women and 60% men.
The appointments reflect a rightward shift in the Commission following the June elections, which saw a surge in far-right parties. Raffaele Fitto’s appointment as executive vice president from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party has been met with criticism. Green lawmaker Rasmus Andresen questioned whether a representative of the far-right could manage EU funds, while The Left leader Manon Aubry noted that this marks the first time the EU executive will include someone from the far-right.
Despite these concerns, von der Leyen defended the appointment, citing Italy’s significant role in the EU as a founding member and major economy. Prime Minister Meloni welcomed Fitto’s appointment, calling it a sign of Italy’s renewed influence in Europe.
The Commission will face confirmation hearings in the European Parliament, where each nominee will be scrutinized and could be rejected. The Commission is slated to begin its work on November 1, but there is speculation that the start date could be delayed until January.