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Ursula von der Leyen has named Olivér Várhelyi as her pick for health and animal welfare commissioner, but it’s not clear he’ll make it through his hearing, potentially leaving a series of important policy initiatives in limbo. The Commission President handed a complex portfolio to a controversial politician with no experience in health policy, suggesting he may face a rough ride from MEPs who must now grill Commission hopefuls based on competence. The EU has historically had limited power in health, but for obvious reasons, the issue gained huge salience during the COVID-19 pandemic. With inc…

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