The European Parliament elections held in June 6-9, 2024, saw European voters elect a new composition of the EU’s main legislative body for a five-year term. While the European People’s Party (EPP) retained the majority of mandates, the overall parliamentary distribution shifted, with far-right parties increasing their share and Renew Europe (formerly ALDE) suffering an unexpected defeat. Despite these changes, Ursula von der Leyen continued as Commission President for a second term, though with changes to the Commissioner positions, presenting new candidates from the EU’s 27 member states in September.
The most significant geopolitical event during von der Leyen’s first term was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the outbreak of full-scale war. The war’s proximity to Europe and increased Russian threats opened a “window of opportunity” for post-Soviet countries seeking EU membership, with Ukraine, Moldova, and later Georgia gaining EU candidate status. Von der Leyen’s team shows no signs of halting expansion, as evidenced by her March initiative to include candidate countries in the EU’s general reform framework reviewing values, policies, budget, and governance. She also called for considering expansion possibilities in the 2028-2034 budget preparation.
“If reforms were necessary before, with enlargement they have become irreversible,” von der Leyen wrote.
Among the new Commissioners, particularly relevant to Georgia:
• Estonia’s former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will become High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, replacing Josep Borrell. Known for her clear stance against Russian aggression, Kallas has been critical of Georgia’s recent government policies.
• Former Lithuanian MEP Andrius Kubilius will become Commissioner for Defense and Space. Previously critical of Georgian Dream party, stating it couldn’t lead Georgia into the EU, Kubilius is expected to maintain support for Georgian civil society.
• Slovenian diplomat Marta Kos will oversee EU enlargement, focusing on supporting structural reforms in candidate countries and emphasizing rule of law and European fundamental values. Her portfolio includes developing a Black Sea strategy with Kallas and establishing coordinated EU policy toward South Caucasus countries.
• Ireland’s Michael McGrath becomes Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law, tasked with developing a new European Democracy Shield concept and combating disinformation and foreign influence.
Von der Leyen’s new team signals a strengthened systematic defense against Russia’s hybrid threats, with particular emphasis on the Black Sea strategy and coordinated policy toward the South Caucasus. For Georgia, this means technical compliance alone will not suffice – fundamental democratic reforms will be necessary, especially as the EU strengthens its defense and security dimensions.
The Commission’s priorities indicate that the EU is moving away from “geopolitical compromises,” requiring candidate countries to demonstrate not just formal compliance with Copenhagen criteria but real democratic resilience. This is particularly significant given the new Commission’s directions of defending against hybrid threats.
