European elections are just around the corner, and leading positions in the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union (EU), have never been more uncertain, including that of the current president, Ursula von der Leyen. As Politico writes, Von der Leyen’s potential political downfall could end up being a boon for Germany’s Greens.
In the event that Von der Leyen is not elected for a second term as president of the European Commission — which is a strong possibility given the likelihood that the European Parliament will be significantly more hostile to German officials after the June 6th to June 9th EU elections — the German Greens again can bet on an influential commissioner position, which will significantly raise the profile of the party in Brussels.
Why? Because the coalition agreement between the three parties that govern Germany — the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) — stipulates that the Greens can nominate a candidate for the second leadership post if the Commission president “does not come from Germany.”
The shortlist, according to several German government officials and members of the European Parliament who spoke on condition of anonymity about internal discussions, are two politicians who few in Europe have on their radar: Franziska Brantner and Sven Giegold, both state secretaries in the German Ministry of Economy led by Robert Habeck, leader of the Greens and German Vice-Chancellor.
Both potential candidates come with significant EU experience, but Brantner, who is responsible for EU and trade policy within the economy ministry, appears to be best placed for a potential Commission seat. She is currently a member of the German Bundestag, was previously a member of the European Parliament and is a special representative of the German government for the international initiative to reduce corruption related to the extraction of raw materials.
Giegold is considered Habeck’s right-hand man and is focused on policies related to small and medium-sized businesses, among other things. Previously, he was a representative of the Greens in the European Parliament for more than a decade, including membership in the Committee for Economic and Monetary Affairs. He describes himself as “committed to regulating financial markets in the interest of the real economy and citizens”.
Ultimately, it is up to the Green leadership to choose which candidate will get the potential seat.
“Ultimately the deciding factor will be which seat on the Commission eventually becomes available,” said one person familiar with internal Greens discussions. “One thing is clear: we want access to a powerful position,” he adds.
Possible positions in the European Commission targeted by the Greens would include overseeing the EU budget, energy policy,or even foreign affairs.
Current German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the prestigious post of EU diplomacy chief, currently held by Josep Borrell. However, Baerbock is thought to be highly unlikely to leave her current post, especially as she may consider herself a chance to run for chancellor in next year’s federal election. Similarly, Habeck could theoretically go for the top job in the EU but is also thought to have ambitions for the top job in Berlin.
A Greens politician well-known in the European Parliament is considered not to be a candidate for a potential leadership position. Terry Reintke, the Greens’ leading candidate for the European elections, is considered an unlikely choice. The 37-year-old MEP has little administrative experience and is likely to remain head of the parliamentary group, N1 writes.
E.Dz.
