Cyprus VS Italy for the new Commissioner of Mediterranean

The decision of the new Mediterranean Commissioner, a new role in the European executive, is up to von der Leyen. Italy and Cyprus are competing for the nomination.

Why establishing a Mediterranean Commissioner?

“Now, we must collectively focus on implementation and on supporting Member States in making it a reality on the ground. And there will be more to do. We need a common approach on returns, to make them more effective and dignified. And we need to develop our comprehensive partnerships, in particular across our Southern neighborhood. The Mediterranean region should get undivided attention. This is why I will appoint a Commissioner for the region and propose a new Agenda for the Mediterranean together with Kaja Kallas. Because the future of the two Mediterranean shores is one and the same.”

With these words, the re-elected president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said during the July Plenary session in Strasbourg, von der Leyen unlocked a new role: the Commissioner responsible for the Mediterranean.

The delegated person will be in charge of the special dossier for the region, and it has a huge potential to open a new phase in relations between the European Union and its Neighborhood. The responsibility of this Commissioner will focus on investment and partnerships, economic stability, job creation, energy, security, migration, and “other areas of mutual interest, while respecting our values and principles,” remarked the president of the European Commission.

Cyprus VS Italy

As with all other positions, President von der Leyen asked EU countries to nominate two candidates, a man and a woman, for the role of Commissioner. She requested the names by August 30th to ease the decision-making process. Subsequently, closed-door negotiations are underway to determine which countries will secure the most powerful jobs in the revamped Commission.

Some countries are more interested in the Mediterranean role than others. Notably, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni have shown significant interest in the new position. Both aim to ensure greater attention to a region that has been neglected for a long time.

For Meloni, the role would be perfect for managing migration and strengthening relations with North African countries, particularly in the energy sector. Cyprus, on the other hand, is competing for the same position, as the island already plays a strategic role in the region. Christodoulides wants Cyprus to start playing a more prominent role among the 27 EU members, and this new commissioner position could suit him perfectly.