Teresa Ribera of Spain is set to become one of the most powerful women in the European Union as the new competition chief in Ursula von der Leyen’s College of Commissioners. This appointment came as a surprise to many, as Ribera is primarily known for her work in environmental issues rather than competition law. However, von der Leyen sought someone who could bring the same charisma and influence to the role as the previous commissioner, Margrethe Vestager. Ribera’s background in international institutions and her work on the European Green Deal made her a strong contender for the position.
Despite Ribera’s extensive experience in environmental issues, competition law presents a new and complex challenge for her. One of the main challenges she will face is navigating recent EU Court of Justice rulings that have limited the Commission’s authority in antitrust matters. In her mission letter, von der Leyen has tasked Ribera with modernizing competition policy and conducting a review of the Horizontal Merger Control Guidelines. Additionally, Ribera will focus on developing a new state aid framework to complement the Clean Industrial Deal and accelerate the transition to renewable energy in the EU.
Prior to her appointment as the competition chief, Ribera was serving as Spain’s Vice President and Minister for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. In this role, she was working towards achieving Spain’s emission-reduction targets and was involved in negotiations for the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Ribera’s reputation as a vocal opponent of fossil fuels and nuclear energy has garnered her recognition in Brussels, especially in discussions on reforming the EU energy market.
Ribera’s appointment as the competition chief also signals a shift in responsibilities within the Commission, with a redistribution of duties regarding the digital economy. While Ribera will handle platform economies and enforce actions under the Digital Markets Act, much of the responsibility for digital issues seems to be shifting to another commissioner. Despite these changes, Ribera’s focus on competition policy and state aid in the context of the Clean Industrial Deal will play a crucial role in advancing the EU’s environmental and economic goals.
Being appointed as the EU’s competition chief places Ribera in a position of significant influence, with the power to block mergers, fine major companies, and prohibit state subsidies that distort the market. Unlike other commissioners, the competition chief does not require approval from governments or Members of the European Parliament to make decisions. Ribera’s background in international institutions and her experience in negotiating environmental agreements make her a strong candidate for the role, despite her lack of experience in competition law.
As the competition chief, Ribera is poised to become von der Leyen’s right-hand woman, likely to take on a leadership role among the executive vice-presidents. Her responsibility will include continuing the work of the European Green Deal and ensuring the transformation into a Clean Industrial Deal. With the EU Court of Justice rulings posing challenges to the Commission’s antitrust authority, Ribera’s role will be pivotal in modernizing competition policy and addressing the risks of “killer acquisitions” in the tech and healthcare sectors.
