COMMISSIONER WHO!? ??

After weeks of negotiations with Member States, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed her nominees for the College of Commissioners this Tuesday. The 27 appointees, one from each EU country, will oversee key policy areas and steer the Commission’s political leadership for the next five years.

The final roster followed intense negotiations and concerns about gender balance. The initial list had just six women, but the final number increased to 11, still falling short of the previous mandate’s balance.?The next step is EU Parliament approval. Together with other NGOs, we’ve prepared questions?MEPs should be asking the Commissioner-designates at the upcoming hearings. Meanwhile, in this edition,?we'll give you?the EEB’s hot takes on von der Leyen’s?picks—prepare for a deep dive!

Before diving in, however, the damage to lives and health caused by the recent extreme weather events and floods in Central and Eastern Europe serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of tackling the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crisis. While there is hope, time is running out. The next College of Commissioners will have a key role to play at this critical moment, and we are counting on them to take the urgent action needed to secure a future where both people and nature can thrive together. Next week, the EEB is launching its Action Plan?to?guide?the incoming Commissioners and decision-makers across Europe.?

No, thank you! It has also come to our attention that?Draghi’s report, which was covered last week, claims the EEB was consulted?as part of the process.?This?was not the case—nor were some?other listed NGOs. While we requested a meeting, we did not meet Draghi or his team. We want to clarify that the EEB does not endorse the report, and?you?can read our full reaction here.?We?have serious concerns about his "simplification" agenda, which?pits climate and environmental goals against each other.

?? NET-ZERO PAELLA?

Teresa Ribera (Spain): Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. Acts as competition commissioner?-?DG COMPT??

HIGHEST QUALITY — Spain’s climate champion, Teresa Ribera, is set to become the second-most influential figure in the Commission. Her new position incorporates a blend of responsibilities—from EU competition to decarbonisation. Ribera will oversee Energy, Environment, and Climate Commissioners while driving Europe's clean industrial deal forward. It's likely no one in the EU’s executive has previously held a position with this much power. In a college leaning conservative, Ribera's counterbalance will be crucial, and expectations couldn’t be higher.?

A BALANCED MEAL — Ribera's title may sound complex, but it speaks volumes.?Von der Leyen is counting on her to lead the EU towards a cost-competitive, carbon-neutral future. She’ll be responsible for setting the 2040 climate targets, reducing energy prices, revamping taxation, and ensuring social equity—all while developing a new state aid framework and enforcing competition rules. It’s a lot to juggle, with intersecting interests at every turn, but at the EEB, we trust Ribera has the skill and conviction to deliver.?

SCIENCE-BASED — As a veteran climate advocate and skilled negotiator, Ribera is well-prepared for the role. She understands that adding the wrong ingredients—such as uncompetitive nuclear, hydrogen for heating, or uncertain carbon capture plans—can spoil the recipe. We hope, as she’s done before that she’ll involve civil society in this culinary challenge. We’ll be paying close attention?and are ready to lend a hand in the kitchen.?

??COQ AU VIN?

Stéphane Séjourné (France): Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy - DG GROW???

I NEED HANDS! The former head of the Renew group in the EU Parliament and close ally of Emmanuel Macron will be tasked with the monumental job of leading a coordinated and coherent European industrial policy that works for all Member States, people, and the planet.??

WE GO HIGH?— We need a race to the top, not the bottom. It’s time to move beyond a 'winner-takes-all' mindset and embrace a collaborative model that unites civil society, industry, and governments. We can build a zero-pollution, toxic-free, resource-efficient, and decarbonised European industry through unity and cooperation.?This shared vision is at the core of our Industrial Blueprint and the European Pact for the Future.

THE BUZZWORD?—?Séjourné should not see competitiveness?as the end game—people's wellbeing and the?health of the planet are. We need to fundamentally redefine competitiveness through the lens of environmental sustainability, and we look forward to engaging with him on?what this means in practice.?True competitiveness isn’t about short-term economic gains but about embedding long-term sustainability and building a resilient, future-proof economy. Addressing the triple climate, biodiversity and pollution crisis?must be central to our competitiveness strategy—this is the key to ensuring long-term prosperity and stability.?

?? JUDD MAT GAARDEBOUENEN?

Christophe Hansen (Luxembourg): Agriculture and Food - DG AGRI?

SUNNY SIDE UP — A minister for agriculture and food is a step in the right direction. However, Hansen appears to be Commissioner of Food in name only, as the mission letter shows a regrettable lack of focus on consumption-side actions—contrary to both the Commission’s own scientific advice and the recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue. On a positive note, von der Leyen’s call to use the?report to guide Hansen’s work, especially regarding the future of the EU’s largest tool (and budget!), the Common Agricultural Policy, is welcome. However, the report?is not a "pick and mix" of recommendations; it’s a consensus that must be treated as a cohesive package, and Hansen must approach it accordingly.

TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE BROTH?—?Placing the agriculture portfolio under the oversight of the EVP for Cohesion and Reforms rather than the Green Deal raises serious concerns. Agriculture is not only impacted by the climate, nature, and pollution crises—it’s also a major contributor. Prioritising a stronger social focus over environmental goals in agri policy makes little sense, as climate change and environmental degradation pose the greatest threats to farmers' livelihoods and our future food security. Social and environmental goals must go hand in hand!

?? STAMPPOT ??

Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands): Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth - DG CLIMA, DG TAXUD?

STIRRING THE POT?—?Before entering public life, the Dutch politician worked for the oil giant Shell and was a partner at the renowned consultancy McKinsey. Maybe now Wopke can finally answer the age-old question: What does a consultant actually do??

MARINATING?—?The new Commissioner-designate for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth seems poised to double down on the EU’s green growth agenda, with a strong emphasis on industry. However, in the rush to champion clean tech and decarbonisation, alternative economic models that prioritise social and environmental goals appear to be sidelined. Sectors like care, crucial to any sustainable transition, are being overlooked. This narrow focus on industry risks missing the opportunity to address broader social needs—the key to achieving a truly just and inclusive green future.

?? STEGT FL?SK?

Dan J?rgensen (Denmark) - Commissioner for Energy and Housing - DG ENER?

LET HIM COOK?—?Pairing energy and housing under one roof is a breath of fresh air for tackling major socio-ecological challenges of buildings, particularly with J?rgensen's profound understanding of the climate crisis. We especially welcome the focus on addressing systemic issues that lead to the inefficient use of building stock, where sufficiency policies can offer a wealth of solutions.???

?? SURSTR?MMING? ?

Jessika Roswall (Sweden): Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy - DG ENVI?

TASTY… ISN′T IT? As one of the regions with the highest resource use per capita, Europe must reduce its material footprint to ensure both global and intergenerational justice. It is encouraging, therefore, that the Commissioner for the Environment is moving towards incorporating the Circular Economy into their portfolio.?

SOMETHING IS FISHY?—?However, the EU Commission's mission letter for circular economy needs to pay more attention to the EU waste hierarchy and the continent's rampant overconsumption. This outdated approach limits circularity to waste management and recycling while overlooking critical elements like prevention, reuse, and repair. This narrow focus risks undermining the broader benefits of a true circular economy, including its potential to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.

KEEP THAT PASTA WATER?— The recent devastating floods highlight how unprepared we are for the impacts of climate change. Roswall has a crucial responsibility to protect and restore Europe’s freshwater ecosystems to ensure a water-resilient future that provides clean and sufficient water for generations to come. This will require strict enforcement of existing environmental laws, such as the Water Framework Directive, and a systemic approach to addressing the root causes of the triple climate, biodiversity, and pollution crisis.

?? STUFFAT TAL-FENEK ?

Glenn Micallef (Malta): Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport - DG EAC?

CAPTAIN COOK?—?For the first time ever, the Commission has included a role with explicit responsibility for intergenerational justice, which is what we?have been calling for. The mandate of participation and foresight reflects many of the demands of civil society through the Future Generations coalition.??

WAIT WHAT? However, with a wide-ranging portfolio that also includes Youth, Culture and Sport and the absence of any mention of the climate or the environment in the context of Future Generations, it remains to be seen if the Commissioner can extend his focus beyond the young people of tomorrow and establish a vision of true sustainability.???

?? BLACK PUDDING

Michael McGrath (Ireland)- Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law? - DG JUST?

A FULL PLATE?— Michael McGrath’s appointment as Commissioner for Justice and the Rule of Law brings with it significant responsibilities, especially in protecting democracy and upholding justice for 450 million EU citizens. While his background is largely in finance, we hope he approaches this mandate with society's broader interests in mind.???

IN?A PICKLE?—?The fact that the Justice section of his mandate begins with the instruction to support companies’ growth with simplified and harmonised rules certainly raised eyebrows at the EEB.?With his remit including foreign interference, SLAPPs, and civil society protection, it remains to be seen how he will address these critical issues, particularly the growing threats to environmental defenders.?

?? SARMALE

Roxana M?nzatu (Romania) - Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparedness, Commissioner for Skills, Education, Quality Jobs and Social Rights - DG EMPL, DG EAC?

WHAT'S IN THE SAUCE? The fact that the Commission’s dedicated portfolio for jobs and social rights has been scrapped and lumped into the broader ‘People, Skills, and Preparedness’ portfolio raised some concerns.??

IN THIS TOGETHER — This move risks shifting attention away from social rights, even as climate policies take centre stage, with most portfolios focused on security and competitiveness. It could be a missed opportunity to establish a robust framework for a truly just transition—one that ensures workers and vulnerable groups are supported as we move towards greener and more competitive economies. ???

?? WHAT IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO

THE GOLDEN EGG —?The major?challenge of this mandate will be to maintain momentum and ambition while finalising the implementation and enforcement of the EU Green Deal at the national level—ensuring no one is left behind. Financing the just transition will be key.

DON'T FORGET?—?With social rights scattered across different departments, the EU risks overlooking inequality and poverty. It's a simple truth: No green transition can be without social justice. We need a green and social deal fit for a one-planet economy. A Clean Industry Deal is only part of the puzzle.

??? IN OTHER NEWS….??

OUR WEEKLY WOLF?—?More than 300 civil society groups are urging?Member States to defend, not weaken, wolf protection. They reject the EU Commission's push to downgrade wolves under the Bern Convention and instead advocate coexistence through preventive measures. With decades of successful wolf protection at risk, the EEB also supports a key discussion in the EU Parliament on 24 September. Join us.?

RENEWABLES: NOT JUST FOR THE WEALTHY — For low-income families, a simple solar rooftop can make a huge financial difference by avoiding volatile fossil fuel prices. Yet, subsidies often fail to reach those who need them most. Our latest briefing shows best practices from across Europe to bring renewable energy to vulnerable households and explains how the EU Social Climate Fund can help unlock these solutions for those who need them the most. Check it out here.?

???JOIN US? ?

Work with us.?The work continues, and we often seek new colleagues to join our team.?Could you be one of them? Check out our current vacancies on our website.?

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Join the future.?The European Pact for the Future ignites hope and courage, paving the way for new opportunities and ensuring the wellbeing of all. It champions sustainable competitiveness and drives the transformative changes needed for a greener, more resilient tomorrow. You can explore the Pact today, and if you haven't yet, please?make sure to sign and be part of the movement shaping Europe's future.?

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By: Roi Gomez. Special thanks to?Alberto Vela,?Ruby Silk, Andreas Budiman, Annick Hus, Ben Snelson, Roberta Arbinolo, Bich Dao, and Samantha Ibbott?. Editor: Christian Skrivervik