The juncker presidency – A study in character

Abstract

Jean-Claude Juncker was President of the first ‘political Commission’, being the first (and so far the only) President to be elected through the Spitzenkandidat system following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. Juncker was appointed as head of a college of commissioners with high profiles and extensive experience in national politics. During his tenure, Juncker had to manage several crises, including Brexit, the Syrian war and the consequent mass migrations, as well as growing international tensions with Russia and the US. His personal and unique style, together with his broad domestic experience in European affairs, make him a singular personality and a singular President of the European Commission, whose legacy it is still too early to call.