Vice President of the European Commission Teresa Ribera may assume the duties of the President of the European Commission if Ursula von der Leyen is temporarily unable to perform her functions. This was stated by European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho during a briefing on January 6.
Pinho addressed questions regarding von der Leyen’s health, as she was diagnosed with severe pneumonia last week, forcing her to cancel scheduled visits in the near future.
The spokesperson emphasized that despite her treatment, the European Commission continues to operate. According to Pinho, von der Leyen remains in constant contact with her team and even participated in a phone call to prepare for the Italian Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to the United States.
As of now, there has been no need to officially appoint a deputy for the Commission’s President. However, according to the established order of seniority, the next in line within the College of Commissioners is Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera.
Teresa Ribera, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister of Spain, oversees competition and climate policy. Her appointment has previously been criticized in the European Parliament.
