France Selects Sejourne as EU Commission Nominee Following Breton Dispute, Reports Reuters

By Michel Rose and Foo Yun Chee

PARIS/BRUSSELS – France has selected Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne as its new candidate for the upcoming European Commission, following the abrupt resignation of incumbent Thierry Breton, who had strong criticisms for EU executive chief Ursula von der Leyen.

This development introduces an unexpected twist in the politically charged transition within the EU, which occurs after the June European elections. During this period, significant positions within the bloc’s powerful decision-making bodies are redistributed for the next five years.

Breton’s departure was influenced by his public disagreements with von der Leyen; this change was necessary for France to secure a substantial role in the new European Commission, which is anticipated to be announced this week.

According to a source familiar with the situation, President Emmanuel Macron has negotiated for the French nominee to oversee a strengthened internal market and industry brief as executive vice-president, managing a group of commissioners.

As the second-largest member state of the EU, France expressed its desire for a prominent position in the reshuffling of key roles following the recent elections. Macron’s office stated, "The President has always sought to obtain a key European Commission portfolio for France, centered on industrial, technological sovereignty, and European competitiveness."

Sejourne, 39, is a loyal supporter of Macron, serving as the chair of his party and previously representing it in the European Parliament election in 2019. He has maintained a relatively subdued presence at France’s foreign ministry, a role he has held since January, where he has consistently supported Macron’s policies.

In his resignation letter, Breton mentioned that von der Leyen had asked France "a few days ago" to withdraw his name for the Commission due to "personal reasons" in exchange for an "allegedly more influential portfolio." He added, "In light of these latest developments – further testimony to questionable governance – I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College."

Von der Leyen’s office did not respond to Breton’s allegations or his resignation. A Commission spokesperson indicated that von der Leyen still anticipated presenting the proposed new Commission team on Tuesday.

Breton, a significant figure in the European Commission for the past five years, is recognized for his public exchanges with tech billionaire Elon Musk and his pivotal role in crafting the EU’s regulations on Big Tech, the COVID-19 vaccine response, and initiatives to bolster the defense industry.

Having served as the EU’s industry and internal market commissioner during von der Leyen’s first term, Breton advocated for the telecom sector’s push for Big Tech to finance the rollout of 5G and high-speed broadband across Europe.

However, tensions between Breton and von der Leyen have escalated in recent months. Breton, a liberal, reportedly upset von der Leyen by openly criticizing her reelection as the European People’s Party candidate for the Commission presidency. His public disputes with Musk have also caused concern among Commission colleagues.

Despite these tensions, the recent developments were unexpected, with sources suggesting that Breton was anticipated to be reappointed by von der Leyen.

This shift can also be interpreted as a struggle for influence between the EU’s major powers—Germany, von der Leyen’s home country, and France—especially at a time when Macron’s political standing has weakened following losses in both EU and French parliamentary elections.