Politico’s “Class of 2025” list of Europe’s 28 most influential figures highlights the individuals shaping the continent’s political landscape. This year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clinched the top spot as the most powerful and influential person in Europe, a testament to her rapid ascent in international politics.
The list is divided into three categories—Doers, Disruptors, and Dreamers—spotlighting leaders who excel in executing policies, challenging norms, and shaping the future through bold ideas. Politicians dominate the rankings, claiming 20 spots, with nationalists and conservatives forming the largest ideological blocs.
For years, figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vied for top rankings. However, this year neither leader made the cut, reflecting their waning influence. Their absence leaves space for new and unconventional leaders, including civil servants and political appointees—dubbed “Eurocrats”—to step into the spotlight.
Giorgia Meloni: From Controversy to Power Broker
Meloni’s journey to the top reflects a dramatic transformation. Dismissed early in her career as an ultranationalist fringe figure, she has since become Italy’s first female prime minister and a critical partner for both the EU and international stakeholders like the United States. Despite leading a coalition of right-wing parties, Meloni has managed to present herself as a stabilizing force in Italian politics. Her government, contrary to expectations, has avoided internal discord and established an unusually stable environment for foreign investment.
Yet, her tenure is not without controversy. Critics point to democratic backsliding in Italy, with concerns about press freedom and judicial independence. Meloni has been accused of silencing dissent through defamation lawsuits and targeting minority groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Despite these issues, EU leaders have largely overlooked these internal matters, focusing instead on her ability to support EU priorities such as aid for Ukraine and managing migration.
Meloni’s adeptness at balancing nationalist rhetoric with pragmatic EU cooperation has solidified her influence. She played a pivotal role in securing a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine, aligning with Brussels despite her Euroskeptic background. Her “Meloni model” on migration, involving deals with non-EU countries to curb irregular migration, has drawn interest and emulation from other European leaders.
Meloni’s influence transcends Europe. For example, Elon Musk and other global power players reportedly seek her counsel, emphasizing her role as a key interlocutor in Europe. Yet, her tenure has not been without criticism. Concerns about democratic backsliding in Italy, including curbs on press freedom and judicial independence, have sparked debate. However, EU leaders have largely overlooked these issues, prioritizing her contributions to collective European priorities.
Ursula von der Leyen: The Ultimate Doer
Ranked as the top “Doer,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emerged as a key figure in navigating the EU through crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Her leadership has transformed the traditionally bureaucratic role of Commission president into a political powerhouse.
Just five years ago, von der Leyen was a politically fragile figure. A former German defense minister under Chancellor Angela Merkel, she was often criticized for her management of Germany’s military and was seen as a weak link within Merkel’s Cabinet. Her unexpected nomination as European Commission president was met with skepticism, with critics dismissing her as a compromise candidate who would serve merely as a “puppet” for Berlin and Paris.
Yet, von der Leyen defied all expectations. Over the course of her first term, she tackled some of the most significant crises in the European Union’s recent history, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rather than faltering under pressure, she emerged stronger after each challenge, turning what was traditionally seen as a bureaucratic role into a center of political authority and influence.
However, von der Leyen faces significant challenges. With Europe grappling with demographic decline, economic stagnation, and rising populism, her second term will test her ability to implement systemic reforms. Critics argue that while she excels in crisis management, her centralized decision-making style risks alienating key allies needed for long-term changes.
Vladimir Putin: The Persistent Doer
Ranked as the second-most powerful “Doer,” Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to exert significant influence on Europe despite facing substantial challenges at home and abroad. Nearly three years into his “special military operation” in Ukraine, Putin’s initial hopes for a swift victory have crumbled. Yet, his strategy of attrition and division is yielding results.
While Russian forces occupy only a small portion of Ukraine, their ability to hold territory has eroded Western confidence in a decisive Ukrainian victory. Support for the war is waning on both sides of the Atlantic, with the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States likely to constrain aid to Kyiv further.
Putin’s influence is not just limited to the battlefield. His long game of fostering fractures within the West is bearing fruit. Europe’s political polarization and energy vulnerabilities have amplified his leverage, particularly as some nations push for peace talks or reduced military support for Ukraine. By capitalizing on these divisions, Putin has maintained a destabilizing presence in European affairs, even as his own domestic position remains fragile.
Rising Influence of the Right and Eastern Europe
This year’s list underscores the growing influence of right-wing populists and Eastern European leaders. Poland, buoyed by a robust economy and a focus on defense, has four representatives on the list, highlighting its rising prominence within the EU. The ascent of figures like Meloni and Poland’s leadership reflects broader shifts as centrist leaders struggle to maintain their footing.
This year’s rankings highlight influential figures reshaping Europe’s trajectory. Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, stands out as the top Disruptor. His critiques of former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s policies and his push to reclaim conservative values reflect the broader shifts in Germany’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, Mark Rutte, NATO’s new secretary-general, emerges as the leading Dreamer. The former Dutch prime minister envisions a strengthened European defense, focusing on securing U.S. commitment amid geopolitical uncertainty. His bold plans aim to align NATO members with higher military spending and strategic collaboration.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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