EU Crisis Team: Power Players & Policy Shifts

Coreper, the committee of permanent representatives from EU member states, is increasingly functioning as a key decision-making body despite its official designation as a preparatory group, according to diplomats. The shift comes as leaders seek faster responses to geopolitical challenges and streamline summit negotiations.

Blurred Lines in EU Decision-Making

While officially not a decision-making body, those familiar with Coreper’s operations say the lines are increasingly blurred. “If we’re honest, it really is a place where decisions are made,” said one diplomat, noting that national leaders often simply approve Coreper’s actions due to the speed of current events.

Another diplomat explained that Coreper fills a gap between expert groups and political leaders. “There’s an increasing number of files that are too political for the expert groups but too technical for the politicians, where we need to chew through things a bit more before it goes to leaders,” they said. “And that’s Coreper.”

Costa’s Impact and Expanding Scope

The role of Coreper has become more prominent since António Costa became European Council President in 2024. Costa’s team has shortened leaders’ summits to one day by reaching key agreements among ambassadors beforehand. Both Costa’s chief of staff, Pedro Lourtie, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s top adviser, Bjoern Seibert, regularly attend Coreper meetings.

Coreper II, traditionally focused on economics, home affairs, and foreign relations, has also expanded its purview to include issues previously handled by Coreper I, which deals with specific technical policy files. Contentious issues like energy, climate change, and regulatory burdens are now also negotiated by Coreper II ambassadors.

The European Commission’s increasing involvement in areas traditionally considered national competences, such as defense and housing policy, is also driving Coreper II’s importance. Diplomats say the committee ensures member countries maintain oversight of the Commission’s work without causing undue delays.

“When we were negotiating the U.S. trade deal, there was a Coreper constantly,” one Commission official noted, expressing concern over increased scrutiny from national capitals.

However, ambassadors see this scrutiny as essential to ensuring Brussels does not overstep its mandate. “Coreper is built on two principles,” said Bartol, the Polish ambassador. “Mutual trust, and no surprises.”