The College of European Commissioners that Ursula von der Leyen wishes to chair from 1 November will only be officially unveiled on Tuesday 10 September (see EUROPE 12321/10).
However, speculation is growing about the identity of the Commissioners and, above all, about the portfolios that will be allocated to them. An undated list - which EUROPE has obtained - particularly fuelled rumours on Friday 6 September.
To be considered with caution, it describes a College composed of thirteen women and fourteen men, without a Commissioner appointed by the United Kingdom, the European institution working on the assumption of an effective Brexit - with or without a deal - on 31 October (see EUROPE 12321/10).
As expected, two personalities already sitting on the Juncker Commission stand out. In accordance with the request of the social democrat leaders at the European Council (see EUROPE 12287/1), the Dutch socialist Frans Timmermans would have the same hierarchical level as the Danish liberal Margrethe Vestager.
Both would be inducted into the position of Executive Vice-President, a position of power probably a little higher than that of Vice-President of the High Permanent Representative for Foreign Affairs, the Socialist Josep Borrell. They would manage the two portfolios - Climate for Mr Timmermans and Digital Industry for Ms Vestager - which are expected to grow even more in the next five years.
On Friday, however, some observers pointed out the low number of vice-presidents in this list compared to the example of the 'Juncker' Commission, which had introduced the concept. Former Prime Minister and Vice-President in the outgoing College, Latvian Christian Democrat Valdis Dombrovskis could also be appointed to this position. Other observers also raised the question of the ability of vice-presidents (executives) to directly mobilise the Directorates General.
Another incongruity noted was the attribution of the Competition portfolio to the French Liberal Sylvie Goulard. Traditionally, such a sensitive portfolio does not belong to France or Germany, due to the risk of possible conflicts of interest that could affect certain decisions.
See the draft "von der Leyen" team: http://bit.ly/2kwHYd2 (Mathieu Bion and Hermine Donceel)