Recalibrated European Commission could prove tricky to put into practice

A smiling Jean-Claude Juncker greeted journalists in the press room of the European Commission’s Berlaymont building yesterday to unveil the team of commissioners that will run the EU’s executive arm until 2019.

Having survived his bruising encounter with David Cameron earlier this year, the president elect of the European Commission was upbeat, pledging to lead a "political, dynamic and effective" commission that will give Europe "a new start".

The European Commission has long been criticised for being too big and too unwieldy – a fault that can be laid at the doorstep of Ireland which lobbied during the second Lisbon referendum for a commitment that each member state would be guaranteed a commissioner.

Yesterday, Juncker unveiled a revamped commission structure. There will still be 28 commissioners, but the number of individual portfolios has been reduced to 20, with seven new “vice-presidents” who will have responsibility for a cluster of different policies.

These “super commissioners” will be responsible for driving activity in seven areas, spanning a number of directorate-generals and overseeing the work of commissioners.

Merged portfolios

The reduction of the number of portfolios necessitated a fusing of directorate-generals – such as energy and climate change, and environment with marine and fisheries – moves that have caused consternation, particularly among environmental campaigners.

For many, the restructured commission is a step in the right direction for the EU’s executive arm, which has long been criticised for extending its reach over too many areas.

Instead Juncker aims to streamline the work of the commission and focus on a smaller number of areas, and create a more integrated approach to policy, with the vice-presidents creating a bridge between the president and the commissioners.

But, in practice, the new structure is likely to prove difficult to implement. Some commissioners will be answerable to up to four different vice-presidents and commission officials said the idea of groups working happily in concert is unworkable given the personalities involved. Among the new commissioners are four former prime ministers and five deputy prime ministers who are used to flexing their muscles in political environments.

The new system is the strongest indication yet the commission is moving towards a system of “senior” and “junior” commissioners, an idea championed by critics of the commission for years.

Juncker denied there would be a “first-class and second-class commissioner”, insisting the system would ensure a “dynamic interaction”. The fact commissioners from smaller countries were appointed to the vice-president roles also allays fears a hierarchy of commissioners would favour larger countries.

Nonetheless, the creation of two different classes of commissioner opens up a central question – where will power lie? The issue of who takes precedence over policy decisions – the commissioner or the vice-president – will be key.

This is of particular relevance to the economic portfolios, for example. France has been appointed to the coveted economics portfolio, while Britain secured control of financial services, widely seen as a coup for David Cameron, given Britain's recurring tensions with Brussels over EU financial services regulation.

But both commissioners will ultimately report to vice-presidents Jyrki Katainen and Valdis Dombrovkis, who are responsible for the "jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness" and "euro and social dialogue" policy areas, respectively. The former Finnish and Latvian prime ministers are strong allies of Germany in terms of fiscal policy.

Their appointment has poured cold water on any hopes Pierre Moscovici's appointment might signal a change in EU economic policy away from an emphasis on fiscal austerity and towards more flexibility and investment. The appointment of Dutch commissioner Frans Timmermans to first vice-president is also significant. Timmermans will work closely with Juncker, deputising on occasion.

His remit will be “better regulation”, a role that will see him police EU legislation to ensure any European Commission policies are justified, and giving him an oversight role over all directorate generals.

‘Jobs and growth’

Juncker said yesterday his new team “will put Europe back on the path to jobs and growth”.

With Europe experiencing a slowdown in growth and low inflation, continuing tensions with Russia and the prospect of a British referendum on EU membership, Europe's citizens will be hoping the new-look commission can deliver on its president's promises.