European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is implementing new rules for the 27 EU Commissioners, aiming to reduce the number of nationals from their own countries in their cabinets and prioritize gender balance. This means Ireland’s Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath will have only two Irish nationals in his team, compared to three under the previous Commissioner Mairéad McGuinness.
Von der Leyen also aims to have a majority of women in each Commissioner’s team. While these rules cannot be enforced until the new Commission is approved by the European Parliament, they are expected to be formally drafted soon.
McGrath is currently preparing for his hearing with the EU Parliament and is receiving applications for positions within his team. Ireland’s government is lobbying for an Irish head of his cabinet but is open to considering non-Irish candidates as well.
These changes highlight von der Leyen’s efforts to promote diversity and change within the European Commission, setting the stage for a new era of leadership and representation.