With Ursula von der Leyen securing approval from MEPs on July 18 to serve a second term as President of the European Commission, attention now turns to assembling her top team of commissioners. These senior officials, one from each EU member state, function akin to ministers in a national government, overseeing diverse policy areas like trade, migration, and budget management. 

As the EU members propose candidates by the August 30 deadline, von der Leyen has the discretion to design and assign new ministerial portfolios, including promised additions like defense and housing.

BULGARIA

Bulgaria finds itself in a political quandary as yet another attempt to form a minority government by the center-right GERB party has fallen through earlier this month. This ongoing instability edges Bulgaria closer to additional elections, sidelining the matter of EU commissioner appointments. Currently, Iliana Ivanova serves as Bulgaria’s commissioner, overseeing innovation, research, culture, education, and youth, having stepped in after Mariya Gabriel resigned in May 2023 to attempt coalition formation.

CROATIA

In Croatia, the sitting Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica has been re-nominated to maintain her role. Šuica expressed deep honor and gratitude towards the Croatian government and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who supported her nomination by sharing her post.

As the EU members propose candidates by the August 30 deadline, von der Leyen has the discretion to design and assign new ministerial portfolios, including promised additions like defense and housing.

However, her reappointment is contingent upon a successful hearing in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, President von der Leyen has urged countries not retaining their current commissioners to nominate both a male and a female candidate to promote gender balance, a directive that most member states have not followed, typically nominating only male candidates.

GREECE 

Greece has designated Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Governor of Central Macedonia and former President of the EU’s Committee of the Regions, as its commissioner candidate. The outgoing Vice-President Margaritis Schinas has already extended his congratulations to Tzitzikostas. 

Tzitzikostas, who previously served as the President of the European Committee of the Regions, has been considered a likely nominee for several weeks. His selection underscores the geopolitical significance of Macedonia and northern Greece, areas noted for their strategic location and pivotal role in the connectivity between the Balkans, South-Eastern Europe, and the northeastern Mediterranean.

In a recent interview with POLITICO, Mitsotakis emphasized his expectation for Greece to secure a prominent position within the Commission, reflecting Greece’s economic advancements and strategic importance at the southeastern edge of Europe and NATO.

HUNGARY 

Olivér Várhelyi, who has held the position of Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement for the past five years, has been re-nominated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as Hungary’s candidate for the European Commission. 

Várhelyi’s tenure has not been without controversy, frequently attracting criticism for policies seen as aligning too closely with the Hungarian government rather than the broader objectives of the European Commission. His reappointment now hinges on a confirmation hearing in the European Parliament, where he has previously faced significant scrutiny. 

Given his contentious record and the uncertain support from MEPs, Orbán’s decision to nominate Várhelyi suggests he may be keeping alternative candidates in reserve should the nomination fail. This strategy mirrors the 2019 incident when Hungary’s initial nominee was rejected due to conflicts of interest, leading to Várhelyi’s original nomination.

ROMANIA 

Romania’s political scene is equally complex, with President Klaus Iohannis previously considered for the European Commission presidency and a top NATO role. It remains uncertain if he would leave his current position for a lesser role, which could trigger early elections. 

Potential commissioner candidates include MEPs Siegfried Mureşan and Mihai Tudose. The latter’s selection could enhance the representation of the center-left in von der Leyen’s team, important as von der Leyen looks to secure support from the Parliament’s socialist members.

Von der Leyen is expected to initiate discussions with commissioner candidates in mid-August to allocate portfolios, followed by European Parliament committee hearings and a vote in the plenary session.

SLOVENIA

Slovenia has opted for Tomaž Vesel, the former president of the National Court of Audit, as its commissioner candidate, as announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob prior to the EU elections. Golob has expressed interest in portfolios related to democracy, competition, budget, or financial services for Slovenia. 

Tomaž Vesel, the former president of the Court of Audit and aged 57, has been officially endorsed by the Slovenian government as the country’s nominee for the European Commission. This endorsement came a day after the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requested member states to nominate candidates, suggesting each country nominate both a male and a female candidate, except where the incumbent is continuing. Slovenia’s current commissioner, Janez Lenarčič, is responsible for crisis management.

Von der Leyen is expected to initiate discussions with commissioner candidates in mid-August to allocate portfolios, followed by European Parliament committee hearings and a vote in the plenary session. The government holds strong confidence in Vesel’s approval, viewing him as a strong candidate without the need for an alternative plan. Vesel has expressed interest in portfolios including budget, administration, enlargement, and the EU’s democratic structure.

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