The selection of Pieper has sparked controversy regarding the fairness and transparency of the process. The four commissioners responsible for choosing Pieper are known to be political rivals of von der Leyen’s European People’s Party, leading to tension as the European election approaches in June. This political rivalry is reflective of the broader landscape of the European Union.
The letter sent by a group of lawmakers requested a discussion on this matter at the upcoming College meeting, raising concerns about impartiality and bias in the decision-making process. Other candidates, including two women, scored higher than Pieper during the selection process for the SME envoy post. Martina Dlabajová, one of these candidates, confirmed that she lodged a complaint with the Commission about the procedure. Several lawmakers from different political parties also expressed their concerns and submitted questions seeking clarification about why Pieper was chosen over those who scored higher.
These developments have raised questions about fairness and transparency in decision-making within the European Commission. The ongoing scrutiny of Pieper’s selection underscores the complexities and challenges involved in ensuring an impartial and transparent selection process for key positions within the European Union.
