The Irish permanent representation to the EU’s transition team initially reached out to incoming commissioners by email, rather than setting meetings or leveraging relationships with key decision-makers, three officials said. Two officials said senior diplomats should have played a larger role in negotiations, rather than leaving talks to the permanent representation and to McGrath’s team. … Read more
POLITICO’s 2024 Backhanded Awards There has never been a more deserving set of “winners.” By EDDY WAX Illustration by Ellie Foreman-Peck for POLITICO The Ursula von der Leyen Award for Not Being Charles Michel: António Costa Charles Michel has left office with a unique legacy: He’s the only European Council president to have quit twice. … Read more
“Some people might describe him as inscrutable,” said one of his close advisers who, perhaps in keeping with the personality of the man himself, requested anonymity. McGrath is “not somebody with any political enemies, not a factional politician,” the adviser continued. “He’s certainly a believer that hard work brings its own reward, rather than political … Read more
During her spell as finance minister at the height of the eurozone crisis, she handled the country’s banking turmoil and steered through reforms that were encouraged by the country’s creditors. Albuquerque is one of only six women to have been put forward as commissioners, challenging President von der Leyen’s push for a gender-balanced team. Two … Read more
The deadline for putting forward names for the next European Commission is the end of August. With that date approaching fast, and now that Ursula von der Leyen is back from her summer holiday in Germany, here are the nominees so far (remember that all of them, except for von der Leyen herself, need to … Read more
