Ursula von der Leyen is confronting her most significant challenge as European Commission president from Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's CDU party. Merz plans to take a more assertive role in EU matters, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts, including increased demands for Europe to aid Ukraine. While a conservative alliance could benefit von der Leyen, tensions are expected as their leadership styles differ. The future of EU leadership balances on how these two influential figures negotiate their roles following anticipated elections in Germany.
The EU must not come to Washington as a dwarf - because then it will be treated as one, Merz told a recent campaign event in Germany.
Von der Leyen has reigned supreme in Brussels ever since former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, her political patron, helped to catapult her into the powerful executive role in 2019.
While von der Leyen was promoted by Merkel, Merz's potential rise poses a significant challenge, indicating a desire to assert German influence within the EU.
Germany's expected chancellor-to-be, Friedrich Merz, has made no secret of his plans to weigh in much more heavily on EU affairs than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.
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