LONDON • France has emerged as the main winner from the latest appointments to the new European Commission, the EU's executive body, which is due to assume office at the end of next month.

For although Dr Ursula von der Leyen, the incoming commission chief, has tried to keep a balance between Europe's competing geographic centres and interests, it is clear French President Emmanuel Macron has succeeded in ensuring some plum jobs went to his country, and also promoted others close to the French political agenda.