Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has faced criticism and calls for transparency after appointing a representative from her own party to a high-paying EU post. Ambassador for SMEs Mark Pieper, a German MEP, resigned just hours before he was set to start his new role, citing opposition from Commissioner Thierry Breton as a reason for his resignation. Reports suggest that Pieper was promoted over more qualified candidates and that his appointment was influenced by von der Leyen’s political affiliations.
The controversy surrounding Pieper’s appointment prompted intervention from high-ranking EU officials, including the EU’s foreign and security policy representative Joseph Borrell and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton. Commissioners Schmit and Gentiloni also demanded an explanation from von der Leyen regarding the fairness of the appointment process. A formal complaint was lodged by Martina Dlabajová, a Czech ambassador for SMEs from the Renew group, further complicating the situation.
Pieper cited opposition from Commissioner Breton as a reason for his resignation, accusing Breton of playing politics. The Commission expressed regret over Pieper’s decision and announced that the process for selecting a new SME ambassador would begin after the European parliamentary elections. However, von der Leyen faces mounting challenges as she navigates through the fallout from Pieper’s appointment. The Parliament passed a resolution demanding transparency in the selection process for the SME ambassador role, adding to the pressure on von der Leyen. Despite efforts from the EPP and Finnish coalition to defend Pieper’s appointment, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over von der Leyen’s leadership.
As she faces criticism and calls for transparency, von der Leyen’s political future hangs in the balance. The appointment scandal is just one of many obstacles threatening her bid for a second term as President of the European Commission. With less than two years left until her term ends, von der Leyen must work hard to repair relationships with other leaders in Brussels if she hopes to secure another term in office.
