Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is facing turbulent times that could fundamentally affect her next four years in office. According to a report by Politico, a key moment was last week's move to side with right-wing forces and repeal a bill against greenwashing, the misleading environmental claims made by companies.
This decisive step has shaken the informal coalition of pro-European centre parties, whose support is essential for von der Leyen to advance her priorities.
The abolition of the directive, known as the Green Claims Directive, sparked a wave of criticism as the proposal was already in the final stages of negotiation between the European Parliament and the EU Council. Politico reports that the move not only undermined the confidence of the Socialists (S&D) and Liberals (Renew Europe), but also jeopardised key policies such as the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, new rules on the deportation of asylum seekers and the simplification of environmental rules. These issues are ideologically sensitive and risk being blocked if von der Leyen does not retain the support of the centre parties.
"The EPP (European People's Party) is behaving irresponsibly and using its position to play power games," Politico quotes the socialist MEP Tiema Wölkenwho worked on the directive. He adds that the repeal of the law was not an exception, but a signal of a broader shift to the right by the EPP. The Socialists and Liberals accuse von der Leyen of circumventing EU legislation because the Commission has cancelled a proposal that already had the support of Parliament and the Member States.
According to the expert Richard Corbettquoted by Politico, the Socialists and Liberals could complicate the Commission's work by slowing down or blocking key proposals, such as simplifying the rules on climate targets, a top priority for von der Leyen's second term. "Von der Leyen must take a step back and admit that this was a mistake," warns René Repasi, leader of the German Socialists, adding that if the Commission continues to give in to the right, it will jeopardise the foundations of the coalition.
Politico also points out that the move has strengthened the right-wing forces seeking to weaken the Green Deal, one of the pillars of von der Leyen's previous term. If the situation is not resolved, further negotiations - including the EU's seven-year budget - risk being marred by mistrust and disputes.
Despite the contradictions, some politicians believe that the centre parties will remain united in the crisis because it is in their interest to do so. The Commission has hinted that it could back down and reconsider repealing the directive if the EU Parliament and Council support exemptions for small firms. But even if the crisis is resolved, Politico said, it will leave deep scars that will complicate future cooperation.
Politico/gnews.cz - GH
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