Who wants what?
France and Italy are the biggest European powers eying a portfolio that includes one or more of the following: Competition, trade, industry and economic policy, several EU diplomats said, much to the despair of northern, more budget-disciplined EU governments.
Ireland and Luxembourg are interested in a financial portfolio, while Spain wants an energy and climate portfolio for its deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera.
Several European capitals, including the Baltics and Poland, are hoping for the enlargement portfolio, which will be key to preparing the ground for the future EU membership of Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkans countries.
Among the eastern and southern countries, several capitals are interested in cohesion and regional policy, as the EU’s upcoming long-term budget is likely to shake up the way Brussels distributes its funds.
Von der Leyen will also have to make sure the socialists and the liberals, who have backed her in the European Parliament, get enough power in the Commission, as the majority of commissioners will be from her own European People’s Party. That sheer number of EPP commissioners could help von der Leyen hold power in the Commission, officials said, but it could also lead to more EPP infighting.
A wide range of European leaders have already talked to von der Leyen about their wish list, but that’s not the case for everyone. In several EU countries, the choice of the commissioner is a sensitive exercise, and the portfolio is often linked with the candidate.
