The European political machinery has once again demonstrated its unique flair for drama.
The recent confirmation hearings for Ursula von der Leyen’s second European Commission were ostensibly about scrutiny and accountability.
But, in reality, they played out more like an elaborate stage show, where the actors stuck to their roles, and the director’s vision—von der Leyen’s, of course—remained unchallenged.
The confirmation hearings were nothing short of a masterclass in kabuki politics. MEPs grilled commissioner-designates for hours, exchanged fiery rhetoric, and, in the end, approved everyone as von der Leyen had originally intended.
In theory, in the grand scheme of checks and balances within the EU, the European Parliament is the great democratic gatekeeper of the European Commission. It has the power to approve or reject nominees, ensuring that only the most capable and ethical individuals serve.
In practice, however, these hearings have become predictable rituals. Yes, MEPs grilled candidates, sometimes with gusto, but ultimately the outcomes seemed predetermined. Deals brokered behind closed doors ensured that von der Leyen’s slate of commissioners passed, just as she wanted.
Take the case of France’s initial nominee, who was swapped out after some maneuvering from von der Leyen. This wasn’t a triumph of parliamentary oversight but rather a calculated move by von der Leyen to remove obstacles and smooth over tensions with France. The European Parliament’s fiery questioning felt more like a performance meant to maintain the illusion of influence than a genuine exercise of power.
This performance cruelly showed how the European Parliament lost its power in front of von der Leyen and her background deals, if it ever truly had any.
Von der Leyen’s new Commission is structurally different than the previous one, though whether it’s better is debatable.
She’s divided her commissioners into two clear groups: the influential “executive vice presidents” and the rest. These vice presidents, including veterans like Maroš Šefčovič and Valdis Dombrovskis, hold the real sway, with mandates that overlap multiple portfolios. The others have been left with what some see as inflated titles and diminished authority.
This hierarchy is being spun as a means to foster collaboration and efficiency. However, insiders describe it as a strategy for centralizing power, ensuring von der Leyen retains tight control. Critics argue that this system leaves some member states, particularly smaller ones, feeling sidelined. Meanwhile, her trusted allies act as enforcers, ensuring the Commission toes the president’s line.
While the European Parliament’s involvement in these hearings is often lauded as a cornerstone of EU democracy, the truth is less flattering.
Despite dramatic speeches and probing questions, MEPs rarely deviate from the script. In the end, von der Leyen secured approval for her entire team with minimal resistance, reinforcing the perception that Parliament’s role is largely ceremonial.
Some MEPs were critical of the new hierarchy within the Commission and the opaque processes surrounding the nominations. Yet these objections didn’t translate into meaningful action. The hearings were more about optics than outcomes, showcasing the EP’s frustration without threatening von der Leyen’s plans.
Von der Leyen’s political acumen has been honed over her years at the helm, and she has emerged as one of the most astute power players in Brussels.
By sidelining Parliament and manipulating member states, she has solidified her position as the Commission’s unchallenged leader. For example, France was led to believe its nominee would receive a prime portfolio, only to end up with a watered-down role. Such maneuvers reveal a leader willing to make promises she never intended to keep, leaving even powerful allies like Emmanuel Macron licking their wounds.
Her ability to exploit political vacuums is unparalleled. With key figures like Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz distracted by domestic woes, von der Leyen seized the opportunity to assert her dominance. The result? A Commission molded entirely in her image, with little room for dissent or deviation from her agenda.
As von der Leyen begins her second term, one can’t help but marvel at her political skills. Beyond her abilities to offer medical assistance in mid-flight emergencies, of course.
She’s mastered the art of backstage maneuvering, sidelining dissenters while keeping the public spectacle alive. Meanwhile, the European Parliament, for all its posturing, remains a supporting player in this grand production.
As the other main power players of Europe are struggling with themselves or got sidelined, von der Leyen got a bigger stage this time to play her show.
She’s definitely going to start her second term more powerful as the first term, not because she was so successful in the last years, but because Europe become weaker and more chaotic.
Under her first term, Europe faced crises ranging from COVID-19 to geopolitical instability, with critics pointing to a lack of coherent strategy and declining global competitiveness.
For Europe’s sake, let’s hope that this newly fortified Commission will finally prioritize building a stronger, more competitive Union which is able to stand up and fight for its own interests.
