Thread by @AgataGostynska

I have finished reading von der Leyen's political guidelines for the next Commission. A short #thread which I will build on in the next weeks or so.

1. I like the way she grouped individual policy fields under 6 policy priorities. I would not be surprised if they constituted the core principles for building her college 'team projects' or whatever she decides to call them.

2. Listing 'European Green Deal' as no. 1 out of 6 'ambitions' isn't accidental. She seems 2 understand what drove many voters in European elections. She is aware that bold actions must be accompanied with 'transition plans' to avoid 'yellow vests' protests in coal reliant areas

3. But I think that she over-promised on eg. 'Economy that works for people'. Much of what she is pledging is not in the hands of the Commission but in the hands of the euro areas leaders/ministers. Anyone who follows the saga around the CCIs will know what I mean.

4. There are many ideas in the 'Union of Equality' which I fully sign up to including to the gender equality in her own College.

5. On this one- I think she will have tough conversations with member-states. The EU top jobs mix gives an impression that enlargement to the East never took place. She will have to compensate it somehow to newer member-states but will they have good female candidates?

6. Digital agenda - 3rd 'ambition'- will probably constitute a separate 'team project'. I wonder what will the relation be between a commissioner heading this one and the competition commissioner who, by definition, will have to remain independent within the college.

7. I am glad to see that upholding the rule of law -which is one of the most important themes of @CER_EU work - is an overarching theme of her 4th goal. Here, she will pick up on the work of the outgoing Commission which is now working on improving existing rule of law toolbox.

8. VdL is more enthusiastic on neighborhood &enlargement front than many in the EUCO. She says she wants to reaffirm the EU perspective for Western Balkans. This is despite the fact that FR and NL, reportedly, blocked reference to enlargement in the EU strategic agenda.

9. Finally, the EU's democratic legitimacy constitutes a priority -which is good news, too. But the Commission President elect, conceded A LOT to the European Parliament.

10. It looks like Ursula von der Leyen forgot that EU's democratic legitimacy flows not only from directly elected MEPs but also from national parliaments which collectively hold the EUCO & Council to account. For now, she made no commitment to strengthening partnership with them