Von der Leyen Faces Growing Criticism Over Commission Leadership

Dissatisfaction is growing in the European Union over the leadership of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Citing multiple sources, Bloomberg reported that the commission chief is increasingly centralizing decision-making within a small circle of associates and micromanaging the work of the executive.

Critics say the management style is delaying important decisions and weakening the commission’s ability to respond to economic challenges. According to sources in Brussels, several commissioners feel excluded from key decision-making processes, while von der Leyen retains control even over issues that traditionally fall within the remit of individual commissioners.

A delegation of large technology companies has reportedly criticized the commission president for slow progress on decisions seen as important for business and Europe’s competitiveness.

Reservations have also been voiced within her own political family, a conservative group linked to Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). At a private meeting in Berlin, some politicians were expected to call for the powers of the European Commission to be limited.

Bloomberg cited the delayed EU single market strategy as one example of the problems. The document was given to member states only shortly before publication. A similar situation arose with the bloc’s long-term budget proposal, where several countries criticized the lack of consultation and the late submission of documents.

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