Security dominates focus of new European Commission

Significance Following the war in Ukraine and the right-wing pivot across Europe, von der Leyen’s policy priorities have shifted strongly towards defence and security. For the Commission, security is a comprehensive concept which will impact most policy areas. Commission candidates will need to be approved by the European Parliament in early November. Impacts Smaller member states will challenge the prospect of looser rules for the merger of large companies. The implementing of some of the Commission’s already-approved policies on climate mitigation face delays as a result of pushback. Domestic political challenges in France and Germany will make it harder for the European Council to agree on Commission policies.