Rightward shift in European politics reflected in new EU Commission

BRUSSELS

The formation of the new European Commission, featuring a majority of center-right and far-right members, solidifies the rightward shift in European politics, which has been evident since the European Parliament (EP) elections in June.

Following months of negotiations and coalition-building after the June 6-9 EP elections, the EU leadership is now in place.

The EP convened its first session with new members on Sept. 16, while Charles Michel, the European Council president since 2019, will pass the torch to former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Friday.

Separately, Ursula von der Leyen secured another term as the European Commission president after intense bargaining among EU leaders and parliamentary groups.

However, her team of 27 commissioners was approved by the narrowest majority in the EU’s history.

A closer look at the commissioners, one from each EU member state, reveals a striking feature, which is the dominance of right-leaning politicians.

Nearly half, including von der Leyen herself, hail from center-right parties, with one member representing an ultra-conservative party and another coming from a far-right party.

Six members have been appointed as vice presidents, including figures like France’s Stephane Sejourne from the center-right and Italy’s Raffaele Fitto, a far-right politician from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party.

Fitto’s appointment has drawn sharp criticism, with some members of parliament banging on desks in protest when his name was announced in the parliament.

The commission also includes a significant number of members from center-right traditions, such as Sweden’s Jessika Roswall and Ireland’s Michael McGrath, further underscoring the ideological shift.

A new Europe?

Despite von der Leyen’s insistence on governing “from the center,” the rightward shift across the EP, Council, and Commission signals a departure from the centrist majority that has historically shaped the union.

This realignment has already influenced policy stances. For example, von der Leyen’s approval of Italy’s controversial proposal to process asylum applications in centers outside the EU, such as Albania, has been framed as a "novel solution."

Experts warn of broader implications as Alberto Alemanno, a professor of EU Law and Politics, remarked that the erosion of centrist dominance could destabilize the EU at a time when bold and decisive action is most needed.

“The centrist majority that has governed Europe since its founding has reached its natural end,” he said, adding that this instability could benefit anti-EU and far-right movements in upcoming elections, particularly in Germany next year.

As Europe braces for a new political reality, von der Leyen’s next five years will likely hinge on whether she aligns with the right or rebuilds alliances with socialists, liberals, and greens.

*Writing by Merve Berker