Security dominates focus of new European Commission

Significance

Following the war in Ukraine and the right-wing pivot across Europe, von der Leyen’s policy priorities have shifted strongly towards defence and security. For the Commission, security is a comprehensive concept which will impact most policy areas. Commission candidates will need to be approved by the European Parliament in early November.

Impacts

• Smaller member states will challenge the prospect of looser rules for the merger of large companies.
• The implementing of some of the Commission’s already-approved policies on climate mitigation face delays as a result of pushback.
• Domestic political challenges in France and Germany will make it harder for the European Council to agree on Commission policies.