Ursula von der Leyen presents new European Commission team

On September 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the new composition of the EU’s top executive body. Key positions are held by pro-Ukrainian politicians. In addition to the President, the EC includes 27 members – 6 Vice Presidents and 20 commissioners.

“Every member of my team will bring in their own experience and perspectives on Europe. Together, we will be one team, working towards one common goal. To make Europe stronger,” von der Leyen wrote.

Former Estonian PM Kaja Kallas will become the Vice President of the European Commission and the EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné will take on the role of Executive Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. Lithuanian Andrius Kubilius will assume the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space position.

Marta Kos from Slovenia will become the EU Commissioner for Enlargement. “The Enlargement Commissioner is crucial for Ukraine. This role oversees relations with Eastern neighbors and associated members. … Her (Kos’ – ed.) jurisdiction will also include post-war reconstruction of Ukraine,” writes Channel 5.

The Czech Josef Síkela will head the Commissioner for International Partnerships. “Strengthening our tech-sovereignty, security and democracy. Building a competitive, decarbonised and circular economy, with a fair transition for all. Designing a bold industrial strategy with innovation and investment at its heart. Boosting European cohesion and regions. Supporting people, skills and our social model,” emphasized Ursula von der Leyen.

Latvian Valdis Dombrovskis is nominated for the role of Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, while Slovak Maroš Šefčovič is proposed for the Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

The new European Commission composition must be approved by the European Parliament by November 1. Earlier, Zenon Kowal, a member of the UWC Executive Committee, Political Advisor to the European Congress of Ukrainians and the Association of Ukrainians in Belgium, as well as former Special Advisor to the Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium (1992-1995), provided insights to the Ukrainian World Congress regarding the anticipated appointments potential implications for Ukraine.