Von der Leyen’s big Commission shake-up moves a step closer

Key Points:

• Ursula von der Leyen’s plan for a major overhaul of the European Commission advanced as external advisers led by Catherine Day delivered a report with nine recommendations to improve efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability within the institution.
• The report advocates shifting from siloed departments to more cross-departmental cooperation and strengthening the Secretariat-General to serve as a strategic center, alongside promoting a human-centered approach to AI for administrative modernization.
• The proposed changes could lead to significant restructuring of key directorates-general that manage large portions of EU spending, including DG REGIO, DG AGRI, DG EMPL, DG MARE, and DG RTD, raising political sensitivity around potential mergers or reassignments.
• No final decisions have been made yet; the report will inform a broader review led by Commissioner Piotr Serafin, who aims to present final recommendations by the end of 2026, with major reforms likely tied to the EU’s next long-term budget negotiations for 2028-2034.
• The process reflects a broad internal support for change within the Commission, but any substantial restructuring is expected to take considerable time and will depend on ongoing discussions about the EU’s financial framework.