I came across a leaked document revealed by Euronews regarding the European Commission’s proposed portfolios, and I must say, it left me with serious concerns. The portfolios outlined seem to encompass broad concepts and critical areas for Europe, but many key issues that are crucial for the future of the Union are either inadequately addressed or entirely missing. There is a clear need to redesign these portfolios to reflect not just vague aspirations but a real ability to tackle pressing challenges effectively.
The image of Europe – its vision, focus, and purpose – starts with how these portfolios are designed. In the leaked document, it almost seems as if the portfolios were tailored more to individual countries’ interests rather than addressing the broader European agenda. What a disappointment it is to see, next to the flag of certain nations, the label “weak portfolio.” There are no inherently weak portfolios, only weak leadership or inadequate execution. If the EU is to move forward, its portfolio design must be grounded in solving European-wide issues with competence and clarity.
Addressing Confusion and Gaps in Policy
A portfolio dealing with the issue of immigration—arguably one of the most critical challenges facing Europe today—is conspicuously absent. Although the document briefly mentions social housing and social issues, it is unclear whether these are tied to the challenges of immigration. Are these issues meant to address the broader social impact of immigration across Europe, or are they standalone issues? This ambiguity does a disservice to the importance of these topics.
Housing policy, for example, is a major concern across Europe, but it’s not clear whether it falls under the exclusive competence of the EU or should be shared with national governments. A dedicated portfolio focusing on Immigration, Multicultural Affairs, and European Citizenship would be a substantial asset to the European Commission. Europe is, after all, grappling with its identity in the face of modern multiculturalism, and a cohesive policy response is needed, especially as Europe is often criticized for its handling of uncontrolled immigration. Such a portfolio could work closely with diverse communities across Europe to foster better integration and social cohesion.
Portfolios Addressing Europe’s Future
Beyond immigration, there are other critical areas that need to be included or better developed. For example, European Youth and Early Childhood Education deserve a dedicated portfolio. Europe’s youth are the future, and a portfolio that actively seeks to understand and address the challenges young people face, in their own words, would be invaluable. Moreover, developing new policies and programs to support youth across the Union, as well as focusing on the importance of early childhood education, could lay the groundwork for a more prosperous future for all.
Similarly, a Families and Demographic Sustainability portfolio could help address one of Europe’s most pressing social issues: declining birth rates and aging populations. Strong family policies, including support for work-life balance, parental leave, and childcare, could reinvigorate Europe’s demographic outlook.
Health and Active Aging: An Urgent Necessity
The creation of a portfolio for Health and Active Aging is another urgent need. As Europe’s population continues to age, the Commission should take a proactive role in helping older citizens maintain quality of life, both through healthcare initiatives and broader policies that promote active aging. A holistic approach to health, one that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, is essential to creating an inclusive and compassionate Europe.
Aligning Agriculture with Rural Development
Another necessary change is the integration of the Agriculture portfolio with broader rural development concerns. Agriculture cannot be viewed in isolation, as the vitality of rural areas intertwined with agricultural sustainability, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation. This portfolio should encompass both aspects to ensure the comprehensive development of Europe’s rural areas.
Embracing the Digital Revolution
Finally, it is impossible to ignore the profound impact that technology is having on the European economy. A dedicated portfolio for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy would allow Europe to better navigate the rapid advancements in AI and other digital technologies. This portfolio could focus on fostering innovation while also addressing the ethical concerns surrounding AI, ensuring that Europe remains competitive on the global stage.
My concerns are also about the naming of these European Commission portfolios, which seem to combine broad concepts.
1.”Economy &Post-Pandemic Recovery.” While both are interconnected, it seems odd to still emphasize the pandemic, which could feel outdated or burdensome to many. Recovery from COVID-19 is certainly part of economic policy, but by focusing on it so explicitly, it might keep the association alive longer than necessary. The pandemic had a huge impact on the EU’s economy, and the EU introduced major recovery funds (e.g., the NextGenerationEU initiative). The title highlights that post-pandemic recovery remains a priority, but yes, it risks making the portfolio sound reactive rather than forward-looking. Probably post-pandemic recovery – could be part of a portfolio called “Cohesion.”
2. EU Expansion and Ukraine Recovery – mixes two significant but separate ideas: EU enlargement (likely referring to future members such as Western Balkan countries and potentially Ukraine) & Ukraine’s post-war recovery. EU expansion is a strategic political process, while Ukraine’s recovery from the ongoing war is a complex financial and humanitarian task. Both deserve attention, but combining them in one title could make the portfolio seem overly broad or unfocused.
3. Industry and Strategic Autonomy – The combination of “Industry” with “Strategic Autonomy” may be confusing. Industry is typically about manufacturing, technological development, and competitiveness, while “Strategic Autonomy” refers to the EU’s capacity to reduce dependence on external actors (e.g., in energy, defense, and supply chains). It might seem odd to directly link “industry” with a geopolitical goal like autonomy, though they are somewhat connected. Strategic autonomy is a buzzword in recent EU debates, especially around reducing dependency on non-EU countries like China or Russia. The EU wants to ensure that its industries (especially in sectors like tech, defense, energy, healthcare) are resilient & not overly dependent on non-European supply chains. By combining “Industry” with “Strategic Autonomy,” the portfolio signals a shift toward industrial policy that also strengthens the EU’s global independence.
4. Social, Digital, Green Transition – is juggling three areas: social policy, digital transformation, & green (environmental) transition. The “green transition” is about decarbonization, climate change, & sustainable growth. The “digital transition” concerns tech innovation & digital infrastructure. “Social” is even broader, covering issues like inequality, labor rights, and social protections. While all three are interrelated in broad terms, cramming them into a single portfolio name makes it difficult to grasp its specific focus.
The EU often works in a multidisciplinary way. However, by grouping diverse objectives under one title, there’s a risk of blurring focus and sending a mixed message about what each Commissioner will actually be responsible for.
In conclusion, the portfolios in the leaked document seem to fall short in addressing the real challenges facing Europe today. A more comprehensive and thoughtfully designed set of portfolios, reflecting Europe’s diverse issues – from immigration to youth, health, and the digital revolution – would better serve the European Commission’s goals and improve the well-being of all its citizens. By prioritizing clarity, competence, and future-facing policies, Europe can strengthen its position and renew its sense of purpose on the global stage.
