It takes a certain amount of courage to appoint a representative of the largest net beneficiary country as Budget Commissioner. Piotr Serafin will focus on the preparations for the next MFF, said Ursula von der Leyen at the presentation of her team on Tuesday. In order to dispel any reservations in Berlin, the Commission President emphasized that the future Budget Commissioner would report directly to her and be accountable to her. The message is clear: When it comes to money, the Christian Democrat wants to retain control.