Brussels has been abuzz with the latest European Commission lineup, and Belgium's Hadja Lahbib has been assigned Crisis Management and Equality. What does the portfolio entail, why is Lahbib right for the role and why are some people unhappy about it?
The EU's 'College of Commissioners' is made up of one representative from each of the 27 Member States. Belgium was the last to nominate a candidate and went with Hadja Lahbib, member of French-speaking liberals Mouvement Réformateur (MR) and outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen divvied out the portfolios on Tuesday, designating Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality to Lahbib. The Belgian nominee has "solid experience in foreign affairs" and her portfolio "reflects [her] political career," Von der Leyen stated.
"Crisis management is a huge responsibility. I will put all my energy into strengthening our capacity to act to help people affected by war and climatic and humanitarian disasters," Lahbib posted on social media. "Equality has always been at the heart of my political action," she added.
Equality has always been at the heart of my political action.
We will continue to fight discrimination based on gender, origin, beliefs, disability and social status. Every European must be able to live freely. Looking forward to the hearings in @Europarl_EN. (2/2) — Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) September 17, 2024
EU needs to be 'proactive'
The newly-created portfolio is considered one of the less weighty roles within the new Commission.
'Preparedness and Crisis Management' refers to the bloc's "need to shift from reaction to proactive readiness" given its vulnerability in the face of changes in economy, technology, defence, health and climate.
Lahbib is tasked with overseeing an integrated response to unforeseen events, improving stockpiling of medical materials and strengthening international cooperation in all areas, notably in humanitarian diplomacy and for climate crises.
Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib and Palestinian former Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh pictured during a meeting of the Belgian Foreign Minister in Ramallah on the West Bank. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Von der Leyen has also entrusted Lahbib with the 'Equality' portfolio. She is charged with developing a "roadmap for women's rights" along with a slew of safeguarding initiatives for the LGBTIQ community, people of colour, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
Too much on her plate?
Lahbib is one of three former journalists making up the proposed Commission. In the past she has reported on women's rights in Afghanistan and Morocco, and as Foreign Affairs Minister she was instrumental in making the Belgian Presidency of the EU run as smoothly as possible.
Not everyone is happy about the fact that equality is being "treated as an afterthought" by being lumped in with crisis management.
"What should have been a step forward for Europe has instead become a glaring disappointment," the European Women's Lobby stated. "How can we expect real, sustained progress on equality when it’s seen as just another line on a long list of priorities for one Commissioner already overloaded with other pressing issues?"
The criticism is all the more pointed considering Von der Leyen's efforts to secure gender parity within the Commission.
Today I welcomed the team of Commissioners-designate to the Berlaymont.
Getting to know each other is the basis of good cooperation. I was glad to see that they are all very motivated and focused ahead of the hearings. I think we are going to make a great team for Europe. pic.twitter.com/TjtTTHh4H7 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 18, 2024
Answering to the Parliament
Lahbib's own profile raises several complications as she prepares for the role and faces interrogation by the European Parliament, which has the power to throw out her nomination. The 54-year-old provoked anger by going to the Russian-occupied Crimea as a journalist in 2021 as well as handing out visas to Iranian officials as Foreign Affairs Minister last year.
These incidents will likely come to the fore during the three-hour session before the European Parliament. MEPs will have the opportunity to grill Lahbib about what she intends to do with her portfolio, what makes her the right person for the job and any other aspects they see fit to examine.
The aim is to have the new College of Commissioners on its feet by 1 November but 1 December is looking like a more likely start date given the need to conduct hearings for each of Von der Leyen's 26 Commissioners beforehand.
