A battle of egos between Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel is putting the European Union’s post-pandemic solidarity at risk. The EU’s standard-bearers should do a better job of putting policy goals ahead of personal ambition.
A central bank-backed digital currency would put the EU in the global vanguard when it comes to taking cash payments online. But missteps could put the entire banking systems at risk if the project streamlines finance too much at home or abroad.
Since taking office, Ursula von der Leyen has frequently brought the continent together in the face of unprecedented challenges. The current energy crisis may well decide her legacy as European Commission president.