Criticism vs. Praise: The Coalition’s Differing Views on EU Commission Leadership

MEP Petri Sarvamaa of the coalition is critical of the European Union’s past five years under the current Commission’s leadership. He believes that it has not strengthened the internal market or competitiveness. However, he sees a shift towards a more balanced approach with reports commissioned on policy areas such as the internal market, competitiveness, and preparedness. MEP Henna Virkkunen disagrees with Sarvamaa, praising von der Leyen’s handling of crises over the past five years.

The German and center-right EPP party member Ursula von der Leyen is the EPP’s candidate for leading the next Commission after the summer European elections. According to Sarvamaa, von der Leyen lacks experience and allowed others to seize power within the Commission, particularly in areas such as climate and Green Deal program. He expresses his disappointment with Green Deal’s handling by stating that it has dominated EU actions too heavily, leading to a loss of balance in policy areas.

MEP Henna Virkkunen disagrees with Sarvamaa, stating that von der Leyen has done an excellent job in handling crises such as corona pandemic and war in Ukraine. Despite this difference of opinion within coalition regarding effectiveness and direction of European Commission under von der Leyen’s leadership, there are signs that her approach may change after summer European elections.