Each December, we unveil our #POLITICO28 list of Doers, Disrupters and Dreamers — and the most powerful person in Europe — who will set the tone for the continent’s politics and policy for the coming year.

Here’s a look at the top four on our Class of 2025 list 👇

Discover the entire ranking here.

#1 Doer: Ursula von der Leyen

The EU was once a union of economic powerhouses. Now, as France and Germany tackle crises at home, Commission chief von der Leyen looks like the only adult left to lead Europe.

Read her full #POLITICO28 profile.

#1 Dreamer: Mark Rutte

The NATO secretary-general’s focus this year will be on trying to keep Washington onboard after Donald Trump takes office.

Will he also put enough pressure on the alliance’s laggards to meet spending targets?

Read more in his #POLITICO28 profile.

#1 Disrupter: Friedrich Merz

The CDU leader is projected to become Germany's next chancellor.

And he's expected to govern as if Angela Merkel had never existed, embracing welfare reform and pro-business policies.

Read his full #POLITICO28 profile.

Europe’s most powerful person for 2025: Giorgia Meloni

Once dismissed as an ultranationalist, the Italian prime minister’s influence over Brussels — and now Washington — makes her a global strongman.

Read more about why she tops this year's #POLITICO28 list.