Top EU Commission team that may shape China policy revealed by Ursula von der Leyen

Spain, France and Slovakia could play an important role in shaping the European Union’s approach to China, after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed her leadership team for the next five years.

Maros Sefcovic from Slovakia has been nominated for the role of commissioner for trade and economic security and faces a confirmation hearing and vote at the European Parliament next month.

Sefcovic – a seasoned negotiator who helped steer the bloc through the torrid Brexit period – will report to outgoing French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, who has been proposed for a broad portfolio as executive vice-president responsible for industrial strategy.

The competition file, meanwhile, will go to Spain’s current Ecology minister Teresa Ribera.

Trade and competition are the two areas in which EU members have handed decision-making powers over to Brussels. During her first term, von der Leyen used these powers to steer the bloc in a much more hawkish direction on China.