Who are the most powerful politicians and figures in Europe? Analysts take a look at who really holds power in the old continent.
Which politicians truly manifest Europe’s power? In essence, who are the most powerful and influential men and women in the old continent?
In a historical context in which the concepts of power, influence, domination, national and military strength have become paramount in the political narrative (replacing terms like diplomacy, cooperation, and multilateralism), identifying individual figures (rather than nations, institutions, or collegial bodies) as expressions of power is much easier than one might imagine.
In the triumph of the leader’s personalism, finding personalities in Europe who centralize power and influence is not difficult at all. Drawing on Politico.eu’s in-depth analysis updated to 2025, below are the politicians considered the most powerful and influential in Europe. Surprise comes first.
Who are the most powerful politicians in Europe and why
According to Politico.eu experts, Giorgia Meloni is the most powerful politician in Europe in an analysis updated to 2025.
"In less than a decade, the leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party has gone from being dismissed as a crazy ultranationalist to being elected Prime Minister of Italy, establishing herself as a figure with whom Brussels, and now Washington, can do business", thus explaining the primacy of the Italian Prime Minister.
In the specific category of Doers (those most skilled at imposing their will), Ursula von der Leyen stands out. With her second term at the helm of the European Commission, the German woman has concentrated remarkable power in a context in which Europe itself is faced with enormous and indispensable challenges.
As Politico.eu explained: “In Brussels, von der Leyen has centralized control over her institution, creating a structure among the 26 commissioners who report to her that will allow her to reign as a sort of absolutist sun queen from which all power flows.”
Among the Disruptors (those who disrupt the status quo) is German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Analysts have placed him in the spotlight because he represents what has always been the driving force of Europe: Germany.
“The German economy may be stagnant, but it remains the largest in Europe, and Merz will certainly be a key figure in Brussels. The former MEP is a staunch supporter of the European Union, but his dedication to fiscal discipline could be a determining factor in 2025, when negotiations for the Union’s next seven-year budget begin,” the experts wrote.
Finally, among the ranks of the Dreamers (whose bold ideas are driving the political debate), Dutchman Mark Rutte stands out.
"As new NATO Secretary General, Rutte’s primary goal will be to try to keep Washington on board after Donald Trump’s re-election. Given the former and future US president’s obsession with NATO’s military spending targets, this means pressuring the alliance’s laggards to make up lost ground," explained the experts at Politico.eu.
In a context where military and defense spending has become a priority on all political agendas, the man leading NATO is certainly in the spotlight.
Europe’s powerful figures, all the names
The list of figures considered influential and noteworthy for their power in Europe is long and includes other notable names in addition to those already mentioned who have earned the top spots.
Here are some of Europe’s most powerful, drawn from the various categories explained above:
- Vladimir Putin - President of Russia
- Teresa Ribera - Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Competition
- Andriy Yermak - Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Victor Orban - President of Hungary
- Donald Tusk - Prime Minister of Poland
- Nadia Calviño - President of the European Investment Bank
In short, Politico.eu defines its ranking simply as a “snapshot of power”, depicting those who hold power, “not necessarily those who should”.
The 2025 assessment highlights an interesting clue: “the rise of right-wing populists and ultranationalist figures”.
In fact, the ranking includes leaders who "have undermined civil rights and targeted minorities and asylum seekers, and have gained ground while centrist leaders have struggled." This objective observation is a warning, according to experts.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Chi sono gli uomini più potenti d’Europa?
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