"Is Ursula von der Leyen transforming the Berlaymont into an EU White House?
The new structure of the EU Commission, by blurring the portfolios among members and downgrading the VP status into executive positions, hints to a transformation of the Commission from a collegial body into a Presidential office.
Through her restructuring and centralization of the College, von der Leyen is completing the presidentialisation process that began with Barroso, and was pursued by Juncker.
Under that vision:
- the Commissioners will act as presidential advisers instead of being independent, autonomous decision makers as required by the Treaties;
- the Secretary General becomes the office of the president supporting the presidential team.
Behind this process there’s a marked politicization of the EU project. This will in turn question the ability of the Commission to act as both the engine and the guardian of EU policymaking.
We’re about to witness major transformations in the power dynamics existing among the Commission, EU Council / Council and the EU Parliament which may in turn alter the principle of institutional balance governing their relations. #vonderleyen"
