Daniel Gros: Europe’s new-look executive eyes geopolitical actions

The EU’s policy toolkit is not well suited for exercising power abroad, writes Daniel Gros

With former German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen assuming the presidency of the European Commission, the EU now has a new executive. Von der Leyen has promised to lead a “geopolitical” commission,believing that Europe needs to be more assertive in its relations with other countries, and more hard-nosed in pursuing its own interests around the world, particularly vis-à-vis the other large powers.