European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled the new leadership team for the EU Commission. Spain's Teresa Ribera will take on the role of antitrust commissioner, while Estonia's Kaja Kallas is set to handle foreign policy. Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius will become the EU's first defence commissioner, a newly created position aimed at boosting European military manufacturing amid ongoing Russian aggression.

The European Commission, which is the EU's central executive body, holds significant power. It can propose new EU laws, block company mergers, and negotiate free trade agreements. Each member state has a representative in the Commission, akin to a government minister, though the influence of each role can vary depending on the portfolio.

Other notable appointments include French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, who will manage industrial strategy, and Slovakia's Maros Sefcovic, who will oversee trade policies. All candidates will undergo hearings with the European Parliament before their appointments are finalized.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the new Commission will focus on enhancing prosperity, security, democracy, and competitiveness, particularly in green transition and digitalization efforts. "We aim to build a competitive, decarbonized, and circular economy with a fair transition for everyone," she stated. Climate change remains a central theme of the Commission's agenda.

Von der Leyen noted that security and competitiveness, especially in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, will have a greater impact on the new team's composition compared to her previous term.

Ribera, who is currently Spain's ecological transition minister, will succeed Denmark's Margrethe Vestager, who has been prominent in regulating Big Tech and fostering competition. Ribera will also address the issue of foreign subsidies affecting key EU sectors such as electric vehicles and energy production.

The new EU Commission is expected to begin its term by the end of the year, with its first major task likely to be addressing the results of the U.S. presidential election in November. A potential second term for Donald Trump could impact Western support for Ukraine and alter EU trade relations with the United States.

The announcement of the new Commission team followed some controversy, including France's selection of Sejourne as a replacement for Thierry Breton, who resigned abruptly, criticizing von der Leyen.

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