- Time to start working!
With that call, the impatient chairman Ursula von der Leyen now takes the lead for his team of commissioners. With the support of the European Parliament in the back, she has promised "a fresh start" and more power to Parliament.
Important questionsThe EU's new government has no job shortage. Two burning issues are on the table. Climate and migration.
Swedish Commissioner Ylva Johansson (S) has already packed the suitcase for his tour of the member countries. Her boss von der Leyen has given her the tough task of finding a common solution for migration. After informal conversations, it's time for field studies and Ylva Johansson starts the week visiting Greece's overcrowded camp.
Reduce emissionsThe climate issue has been particularly emphasized by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. With ambitious targets and, with the euro, the CO2 emissions should be reduced at a faster rate than before.
Other major issues on the agenda are the EU budget, trade with the US and China and Brexit.
gender balanceThe Commission did not receive the gender distribution that von der Leyen wanted. 15 men and 12 women (including the chairman) became the final set of rules since three of the candidates were not approved by Parliament.
Here are some of the new Commissioners:First Executive Vice President with Climate Responsibility: Frans Timmermans, The Netherlands.
Executive Vice President with Digitization Responsibility: Margrethe Vestager, Denmark.
Swedish Commissioner Ylva Johanssom (S).
Vice President and Foreign Secretary: Josep Borrell, Spain.