EU Confidential
Who’s in charge? What von der Leyen’s absence reveals about the EU
Jan 17, 2025
Nicholas Vinocur, POLITICO's editor-at-large with a sharp focus on European politics, and Koen Verhelst, a seasoned trade reporter, dive into the Europe’s political landscape amid Ursula von der Leyen's unexpected hospitalization. They explore the paralysis facing the EU as trade tensions rise and the far-right gains ground. Their discussion highlights the challenges of military spending disparities among nations and analyzes the geopolitical significance of Greenland, revealing how these dynamics could reshape EU relations with global powers.
31:04
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Quick takeaways
- Ursula von der Leyen's hospitalization revealed a troubling leadership vacuum in the EU, highlighting the commission's inadequate response protocols for incapacitated leaders.
- The rise of Austria's far-right Freedom Party under Herbert Kickl poses significant challenges for European governance, threatening to undermine mainstream political coalitions against populism.
Deep dives
Ursula von der Leyen's Illness and EU Leadership
Ursula von der Leyen's hospitalization due to severe pneumonia created a leadership vacuum within the EU, raising concerns about the commission's effectiveness during her recovery. While officials claimed she remained in charge, the lack of transparency regarding her condition caused confusion among EU diplomats. The absence of clear guidance highlighted the ad hoc nature of succession within the European Commission, lacking a defined protocol for incapacitated leadership. This situation critically hampered the EU's response to emerging geopolitical challenges, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's provocative remarks regarding Greenland.
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