Ursula von der Leyen under fire over excessive power in EU — Bloomberg
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union is voicing dissatisfaction with the excessive power wielded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to Bloomberg.
Complaints
According to sources familiar with von der Leyen’s working style, she is increasingly concentrating decision-making in the hands of a small circle of close associates.
According to the agency’s sources, this is overburdening her staff and diverting resources away from the EU’s core economic priorities.
As a result, critics argue, the broader strategy to rebuild and strengthen the European Union is being hindered.
Economic agenda issues
Bloomberg reports that the European Commission has made only limited progress in addressing key economic challenges.
Specifically, these include:
- Strengthening the EU single market
- Enhancing the competitiveness of the European economy,
- Adapting the bloc to a more complex international environment.
The agency’s sources believe that due to von der Leyen’s management style, attention to these areas has waned.
Tensions coming to surface
As Bloomberg reports, dissatisfaction that has been building for years has recently begun to manifest openly.
Last month, her former allies from the German conservative CDU bloc demanded at a closed-door meeting in Berlin that the European Commission’s powers be curtailed.
Representatives of major tech companies also told von der Leyen that she is moving too slowly on issues important to business.
Discontent within EC
Criticism is also being voiced within the European Commission itself.
According to the agency, many European Commissioners feel sidelined from important decision-making, while the EC President and her inner circle monopolize the initiative.
Sources describe von der Leyen as a leader who constantly seeks to demonstrate her control over all processes, which is causing growing irritation among senior officials.
Von der Leyen took office as President of the European Commission in December 2019 and was re-elected in 2024.
Her dedication to the cause has been unquestionable from day one. Her supporters say she has brought new authority to the position, strengthening the EU’s role on the world stage.
Last July, the European Parliament considered a motion of no confidence against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
However, the initiative failed to garner the necessary support: 175 members voted in favor, while 360 voted against. As a result, the European Parliament rejected the motion of no confidence.
