Von der Leyen Faces Scrutiny Over 13th-Floor Power Hub as EU Revival Drive Falters
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 12
Von der Leyen Faces Scrutiny Over 13th-Floor Power Hub as EU Revival Drive Falters
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 12
Ursula von der Leyen is facing mounting scrutiny over a highly centralized leadership style that concentrates control of the European Commission in her office.
The 13th-floor operation in Brussels relies on a tight inner circle that oversees day-to-day decisions across the EU executive, sidelining most officials outside that group.
People with direct knowledge say the micromanagement is stretching her office thin and diverting attention from core economic responsibilities.
That strain is feeding concern that von der Leyen's broader effort to revive the EU project is losing momentum.
Is von der Leyen's 'presidential' style forging a stronger EU, or is it causing the bloc to fracture from within?
With her foreign policy moves sparking controversy, who really holds the power to speak for Europe on the world stage?