Brussels, 1 December 2024 (dpa/MIA) - The European Union's new team of executives, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, took office on Sunday as the 27-country bloc faces a new geopolitical reality.

The European Commission is the only institution empowered to propose EU legislation and ensure compliance with the bloc's laws.

The start of von der Leyen's first mandate as commission president in 2019 had coincided with the height of the global climate movement and produced a package groundbreaking climate and environmental EU legislation known as the Green Deal.

Five years on, a significant sign of the bloc's changing priorities is the introduction of an EU defence commissioner position, a role held by former Lithuanian prime minister Andrius Kubilius.

Kubilius' mandate will include boosting Europe's military independence and streamlining investment in European defence projects.

Estonia's Kaja Kallas takes on a critical role as the EU's top diplomat.

The bloc is also bracing for the return to office in January of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to introduce hefty tariffs.

Von der Leyen's centre-right European People's Party (EPP) emerged victorious in the European elections held in June.

She was elected for a second term as commission president in July and unveiled her team in September, setting the stage for her leadership over the coming years.