New European Commission.
In response to Europe’s growing exposure to external threats, incoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asserted that her primary focus will be “geopolitical”. This is reflected in the Commission’s new structures and policy priorities, with external-facing portfolio leaders occupying key positions in the Commission’s executive team.
The extensive overlap between portfolios risks conflict over policy coordination and the Commission’s overall cohesiveness.
There is a risk that some commissioners will face a conflict of interest where their portfolios deal with issues of national sensitivity.
Aims to unite Europe’s defence industry could be undermined by diverging threat perceptions and visions for defence across the bloc.
