Introducing Spitzenkandidat: Frans Timmermans

June 2019: A gifted communicator, experienced politician and Spitzenkandidat for the S&D group in the European Parliament, Frans Timmermans is the hope of the socialist and Democrats for the European Commission presidency. For the past five years, he has been the First Vice-President of the European Commission, tasked with some of the most complicated and […]

Introducing the non-Spitzenkandidat: Michel Barnier

You’ve heard of Brexit. You may have also heard of Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator. Perhaps less apparent is the possibility that he could replace Jean-Claude Juncker and become the next Commission President. Although he isn’t a formal candidate, he has spent the last three years touring European capitals and has become perhaps […]

Introducing Spitzenkandidat: Margrethe Vestager

Europe has now voted and Brussels will be getting on with the business of appointing a replacement for Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission. One of the most prominent and successful Commissioners in the Juncker term has been the plucky Dane in charge of Europe’s competition agenda. Having shown aptitude and resilience on […]