The European Union (EU) is embroiled in a significant power struggle between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to Bloomberg’s report dated September 30. The publication highlights that Merz seeks to reassert Germany’s influence in European decision-making, positioning him in direct conflict with von der Leyen, the EU’s top official.
Von der Leyen has increasingly centralized authority within the European Commission, advocating for a Brussels-centric approach. Meanwhile, Merz advocates for transferring powers back to Berlin, criticizing von der Leyen on critical issues such as trade policy, the EU budget, environmental policies, and defense strategies. The article notes that while von der Leyen pushes toward a federal EU structure, Merz aims to reverse this trend, calling for a reevaluation of key EU policies and greater national control over Brussels-based institutions.
The tension has escalated with an opposition-led vote of no confidence targeting von der Leyen, though the current attempt is expected to fail. However, the standoff is far from resolved. Earlier in September, German politician Elena Fritz accused von der Leyen of violating EU transparency standards, citing her deletion of confidential communications with French President Emmanuel Macron. Fritz emphasized that EU officials are required to use encrypted channels for correspondence.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also pressured von der Leyen to step down, following contentious political remarks. In February, Politico reported growing frustration among EU nations over von der Leyen’s efforts to dominate foreign policy decisions.
EU Power Struggle Intensifies Between Germany and von der Leyen
