Just two weeks after the coronation of the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, the institution risks finding itself in a critical situation. Tensions between the main political groups—popular, socialist and liberal—are generating a real stalemate that could compromise the effectiveness of European governance.
Despite President von der Leyen’s efforts to mediate between the different factions, the dialogue with leaders Manfred Weber, Iratxe Garcia Perez and Valerie Hayer has not led to the desired results. The Socialists have already declared that they do not support the nomination of Raffaele Fitto as vice-president. The European People’s Party (EPP), supported by the Spanish delegation, is trying to obtain guarantees on Teresa Ribera. This climate of hostility has led to an escalation of accusations between the parties.
Teresa Ribera was criticized at a recent hearing in the European Parliament for her handling of the floods in Spain. The EPP has made it clear that it will only support her nomination after she has made her position clear in the Spanish Parliament on the crisis in Valencia, an appointment scheduled for November 20.
The situation is further complicated by the Socialists' stance on Fitto. Sources within the S&D group have said that they will not support the Italian candidate, indicating a breach of trust. This clash has prompted a reaction from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who accused European Socialists of not considering Italy worthy of a vice-presidency in the Commission. The response from Italian Democrats was equally harsh. Dario Nardella recalled the group’s past opposition to Paolo Gentiloni’s nomination as European commissioner. Elly Schlein, meanwhile, kept a low profile, suggesting that Meloni was seeking distractions from more pressing domestic issues. With the European political landscape in flux, the ball now appears to be in von der Leyen’s court. Political tensions in Spain and Germany could have significant implications for her leadership.
Uncertainty continues to reign in Brussels as Ursula von der Leyen prepares to consult the European capitals. The possibility of resignation is in the air and rumors about possible plan Bs are already circulating. Among the names mentioned is that of Mario Draghi, currently engaged in diplomatic meetings in Paris with Emmanuel Macron. In this volatile context, the future of the von der Leyen Commission remains hanging by a thread, with European leaders ready to watch every decisive move by the president.
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