10 Great Apps for Your New Android Mobile Device

The European Union appears to have reached a political consensus on the team of 26 commissioners tasked with executing President Ursula von der Leyen’s policy agenda over the next five years. While a final vote is expected next week, Politico’s Brussels Playbook newsletter suggested on Thursday that the European Parliament’s agreement makes it “virtually certain” that the new European Commission will begin its term on December 1.

Among the commissioner-designates, three figures are particularly noteworthy for their potential impact on tech policy. The next Commission’s five-year term, extending through 2029, will oversee responsibilities like digital infrastructure, tech investments, startup support, and Big Tech regulation.

Teresa Ribera Rodríguez: EVP for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition

Spanish center-left politician Teresa Ribera Rodríguez is set to play a pivotal role in the new Commission. Her portfolio merges climate and economic transformation with competition enforcement, a responsibility previously held by Margrethe Vestager. This dual focus positions Ribera Rodríguez as one of the most influential figures in the Commission.

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into force this March, is central to efforts to curtail Big Tech’s dominance. By setting rules on platform operations—like banning self-preferencing and promoting interoperability—the EU aims to create a fairer environment for competitors and consumers. Ribera Rodríguez will oversee DMA enforcement, inheriting ongoing investigations into Apple, Meta, and Google. These cases, alongside potential new probes, will likely shape the regulatory landscape for Big Tech in the coming years.

In addition to DMA enforcement, Ribera Rodríguez will handle traditional competition cases, including the EU’s long-running probe into Google’s adtech practices. Her approach to antitrust enforcement and potential penalties, which can reach 10% of a company’s global revenue, will have significant implications for tech giants.

At her confirmation hearing, Ribera Rodríguez emphasized her commitment to expediting competition policy enforcement and addressing acquisitions that stifle innovation. She also pledged to align competition policy with the EU’s green transition goals, fostering scale-ups in strategic sectors like microelectronics and next-generation cloud infrastructure.

Henna Virkkunen: EVP for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy

Henna Virkkunen will lead efforts to advance digital and frontier technologies, including AI, supercomputing, and space tech. Her portfolio encompasses fostering innovation and ensuring the effective enforcement of digital regulations, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and AI-related rules.

The DSA, which aims to hold digital platforms accountable for illegal content and algorithmic transparency, has several ongoing investigations, including probes into platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok. Virkkunen’s role in enforcing these regulations will be closely watched, especially given the EU’s contentious relationship with X owner Elon Musk.

Virkkunen has outlined her priorities, including protecting children online, combating addictive algorithms, and addressing online disinformation. She is also tasked with launching initiatives like an EU Cloud and AI Development Act to support startups and promote the bloc’s tech sovereignty.

Ekaterina Zaharieva: Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation

Ekaterina Zaharieva will focus on strengthening the EU’s innovation ecosystem. Her tasks include drafting a European Innovation Act to streamline regulations, enhancing access to venture capital, and supporting emerging technologies through regulatory sandboxes.

Zaharieva aims to expand funding opportunities for startups and drive R&D collaboration across member states. She is also charged with establishing a European AI Research Council to bolster AI development and fostering deep-tech investment through the European Innovation Council.

In her confirmation hearing, Zaharieva emphasized the importance of prioritizing research and innovation to enhance the EU’s competitiveness. Her portfolio will play a crucial role in supporting startups and advancing the region’s technological leadership.