Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has unveiled her new team for her second term, set to last until 2029. Presented at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the team is strategically composed to ensure von der Leyen's dominance, with few heavyweights to challenge her authority.

This move comes after the European elections, which reinforced her political backing from the European People's Party.

Notably, the exclusion of former French Commissioner Thierry Breton highlights the political maneuvering at play, as France, under President Emmanuel Macron, had to concede to von der Leyen's preferences.

The new team, described as politically weaker, is designed to maintain the President's preeminence, with key portfolios distributed among loyalists.

This reshuffle reflects a shift towards a more centralized power structure within the EU, raising questions about the balance of influence among member states.