The Juncker Commission: A strong and experienced team standing for change

EU News 376/2014

10 September 2014
IP/14/984

Today, President-elect Juncker unveiled his team and the new shape of the next European Commission. After the European Union has come through one of the most testing periods in its history, one of the biggest challenges will be to convince citizens that things will change. To deliver change, the Commission needs to be open to reform. The new European Commission will be streamlined to focus on tackling the big political challenges Europe is facing: getting people back to work in decent jobs, triggering more investment, making sure banks lend to the real economy again, creating a connected digital market, a credible foreign policy and ensuring Europe stands on its own feet when it comes to energy security. The new way the Commission will be set up reflects these Political Guidelines, on the basis of which Jean-Claude Juncker was elected by the European Parliament.

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President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker said: "In these unprecedented times, Europe's citizens expect us to deliver. After years of economic hardship and often painful reforms, Europeans expect a performing economy, sustainable jobs, more social protection, safer borders, energy security and digital opportunities. Today I am presenting the team that will put Europe back on the path to jobs and growth. In the new European Commission, form follows function. We have to be open to change. We have to show that the Commission can change. What I present to you today is a political, dynamic and effective European Commission, geared to give Europe its new start. I have given portfolios to people – not to countries. I am putting 27 players in the field, each of whom has a specific role to play – this is my winning team."

A new way of working

The new College will have seven Vice-Presidents, six¹ in addition to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy and Security Policy (Federica Mogherini), each leading a project team. They will be steering and coordinating the work of a number of Commissioners in compositions that may change according to need and as new projects develop over time (see Annex 2). These project teams mirror the Political Guidelines. Examples include 'Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness', 'Digital Single Market' or 'Energy Union'. This will ensure a dynamic interaction of all Members of the College, breaking down silos and moving away from static structures. The Vice-Presidents will all act as real deputies to the President.

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He is looking forward to the European Parliament hearings of the Commissioners-designate that will provide a democratic process for explaining and vetting the Commission's objectives and political programme.

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Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-984_en.htm?locale=en

Jean-Claude Juncker Date: 10/09/2014 Reference: P-026201/00-01 Location: Brussels - EC/Berlaymont (C)EU, 2014 URL

Juncker Commission URL

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