EU faces unprecedented confidence vote against Ursula von der Leyen

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, European Union lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the confidence of Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, amid significant political tensions. This vote, initiated by a coalition of far-right lawmakers, marks the first censure motion in the European Parliament in over a decade, spearheaded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has publicly called for von der Leyen's resignation. The accusations against her include allegations of unapproved private communication with Pfizer's CEO regarding COVID-19 vaccines, misuse of EU funds, and interference in elections within Germany and Romania. The procedural aspect of the motion requires a two-thirds majority from the lawmakers to pass. Despite the potential gravity of the situation—where a loss could lead to von der Leyen's resignation—most political groups in the assembly are expected to oppose the motion, suggesting that she is likely to retain her position. The motion has fueled ongoing criticism of von der Leyen, particularly regarding her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her commission's approach towards Hungary's national policies, which Orbán claims threaten the essence of leadership. Orbán’s criticisms come in the context of ongoing clashes between the Hungarian government and the European Commission, particularly due to the commission's decision to freeze Hungary's access to vital EU funds over concerns about the country’s democratic processes. This environment has cultivated a narrative of division within the EU, as various political factions disagree on the direction of the union and the extent of authority held by Brussels. Many observers see this vote as reflective of a larger struggle within Europe, as the EU Parliament has noticeably shifted to the right following recent elections, complicating the political landscape. The European People's Party (EPP), von der Leyen's political group, has faced backlash for allegedly collaborating with far-right lawmakers. This situation poses serious questions regarding the unity within the EU and the approaches of member states toward national sovereignty versus collective governance. The previous support for von der Leyen is now being called into question, leading to increased scrutiny over who will ultimately drive European policy in the years to come, especially as the EU tackles major issues ranging from health to democracy and beyond.