Several eastern European Union member states have secured important portfolios in the new European Commission, according to the nominations outlined by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 17. 

The newer EU members from Central and Southeast Europe are becoming increasingly assertive as they celebrate 20 years since the first wave of new members from the region joined the bloc, and 11 years since Croatia became the latest addition.

Von der Leyen referred to this when announcing the nominations, saying that of the six executive vice-presidents, “Three [are] from member states that joined before the fall of the Iron Curtain. And three from member states that joined after Europe was reunited. From the Baltics, Nordics and Eastern Europe. Ministers and prime ministers. Different backgrounds. But all with one common goal – and that is to make Europe stronger.” 

Key appointees from the region include Estonia's Kaja Kallas, taking the foreign affairs and security portfolio, and Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius, who will assume the newly created position of defence commissioner. 

Kallas, Estonia's former prime minister, will succeed Josep Borrell. Known for her vocal stance on EU security, she had previously warned European leaders of a possible Russian attack on Ukraine. 

"We are in an era of geostrategic rivalries and instability. Our foreign and security policy must be designed with this reality in mind and it must be more aligned with our own interests. I know that I can count on her to bring all of this together – and be the bridge between our internal and external policies. And to ensure we stay a Geopolitical Commission,” said von der Leyen on announcing Kallas’ appointment. 

Kubilius' appointment as the first defence commissioner reflects the EU's focus on strengthening military manufacturing capacity in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

In a somewhat surprising move Romania’s Roxana Minzatu has been appointed as one of six vice presidents, following Bucharest's efforts for a more prominent economic portfolio, though it ultimately secured a position focusing on people and skills. 

Slovenia’s Marta Kos is expected to take the enlargement portfolio, but her nomination remains under debate within Slovenia, with opposition parties fiercely contesting her candidacy. 

Enlargement is expected to be a key focus for the next European Commission term, with Kos — should her appointment be approved — tasked with supporting Ukraine and assisting candidate countries in their preparation for accession.

Poland’s Piotr Serafin has been entrusted with overseeing the EU's budget, a critical role within the bloc's financial framework.

Latvia’s Valdis Dombrovskis and Croatia’s Dubravka Suica, meanwhile, take less prominent posts than previously. Slovakia’s Maros Sefcovic remains a key figure in the new Commission with his role in trade and economic security.

The European Commission is responsible for actions such as proposing new laws for the EU, approving or blocking company mergers and signing free trade agreements. Each member state has a representative in the new Commission, but their level of influence varies depending on the portfolio.

The bloc's biggest states, France and Germany, secured top jobs within the Commission, with von der Leyen herself being German and France’s outgoing foreign minister Stsphane Sejourne taking charge of the industrial strategy portfolio.

The Commission's lineup includes 11 women, a figure falling short of the gender balance von der Leyen aimed for. "When I received the first set of nominations and candidates, we were on track for around 22% women and 78% men. That was unacceptable. So I worked with the Member States and we were able to improve the balance,” commented von der Leyen. 

Among the other notable appointments from the eastern EU members, Jozef Síkela of Czechia takes on international partnerships, Ekaterina Zaharieva of Bulgaria will handle startups, research and innovation, and Suica will manage the Mediterranean portfolio. 

The new European Commission is expected to assume office by the end of the year, with one of its early tasks being to navigate the aftermath of the US presidential election in November, which could significantly impact EU-US relations, especially in light of potential shifts in the Western stance on supporting Ukraine.

All nominees will undergo hearings in the European Parliament, where lawmakers can challenge and block the nominees.