Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner known for his colorful personality and controversial moments, has announced his resignation following a dispute with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Throughout his tenure, he has made headlines for his clashes with figures like Elon Musk, advocating for increased mining of critical raw materials in Europe, and taking a major role in managing the Covid-19 crisis despite health not being in his portfolio. Breton’s legacy also includes a planned overhaul of telecom rules and being involved in a controversy dubbed ‘Piepergate’.
One of Breton’s most notable moments was his ongoing feud with Elon Musk, which culminated in accusations of non-compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act. He also pushed for Europe to mine more critical raw materials to reduce dependency on imports and improve self-sufficiency. Additionally, despite not having a health portfolio, Breton took the lead in managing the Covid-19 crisis, earning the nickname ‘Monsieur Vaccins’ for his efforts in boosting vaccine production and blocking exports to Australia.
In a controversial move, Breton revealed a conversation with former President Donald Trump at Davos where Trump allegedly stated that NATO was dead and hinted at the lack of support for Europe in case of attack. This revelation sparked concern among European leaders and highlighted the need for an independent defense strategy. Additionally, Breton’s planned overhaul of telecom rules, known as the Digital Networks Act, aimed to address regulatory barriers in the telecom sector to promote innovation and efficiency.
Breton also found himself at odds with his own boss, Ursula von der Leyen, over the appointment of MEP Markus Pieper to a lucrative Commission post focused on SMEs. Breton, along with other Commissioners, criticized the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the choice over qualified female candidates. This incident, known as ‘Piepergate’, led to Pieper withdrawing his candidacy, leaving the post vacant.
Throughout his tenure, Breton has been known for his controversial statements and actions, including questioning von der Leyen’s support within her own party and expressing doubts about her candidacy for another term as Commission President. Despite facing criticism for his behavior and political maneuvers, Breton leaves behind a legacy of pushing for increased self-sufficiency in critical resources, managing the Covid-19 crisis, and advocating for reforms in the telecom sector. His departure marks the end of a colorful and eventful career in Brussels.
