Von der Leyen’s ‘style’ not good for Europe

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership style has drawn criticism from former administration members. Nicolas Schmidt, ex-Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, expressed concern over the centralisation of decision-making. He stated that commissioners are “largely silenced.” This presidential approach is not beneficial for Europe.

“I have the impression that commissioners are now largely silenced,” Nicolas Schmit said. He was the commissioner for jobs and social rights in the first von der Leyen Commission. He told POLITICO this in an interview.

“The system, how the College is organised, is very centralised. Call it presidential or whatever system. It is not good for the College. It’s not good for the Commission. It is not good for Europe in general,” he said.

Other former commissioners, including Michel Barnier and Thierry Breton, have made similar observations. They described von der Leyen’s tenure as marked by an “authoritarian drift.” It also has a problematic concentration of authority. Schmit also criticised the lack of a long-term strategy within the Commission. He questioned whether there was a genuine strategic debate about Europe’s global role during his term.

POLITICO