European Parliament approves new College of Commissioners

In Strasbourg, on November 27, 2024, the European Parliament held a crucial vote to ratify the new College of Commissioners. This parliamentary session was pivotal as it determined the leadership structure of the European Commission, which will guide policies for the 2024-2029 term. Following the voting procedures, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the press, underlining the significance of this new commission for Europe's future. The process initiated with a discussion led by von der Leyen regarding her proposed team and program, allowing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to engage with the Commissioners-designate before the vote. For the College of Commissioners to be approved, a majority of votes cast was required, emphasizing the need for collective agreement among the Parliament members. Once the College received approval from the Parliament, it awaited the formal designation by the European Council, conducted through a qualified majority, which is a procedural necessity before the newly chosen Commissioners can officially undertake their roles. The freshly elected commission is anticipated to commence its duties beginning December 1, 2024, marking a significant transition in leadership for the European Union. Earlier in the ongoing legislative term, Ursula von der Leyen, who successfully secured a second mandate, submitted her Political Guidelines on July 18, 2024. Subsequently, on September 17, she proposed the list of Commissioners-designate, assigning their respective portfolios in alignment with her outlined ambitions for the upcoming term. Each nominee underwent public hearings within the Parliament, a necessary step in the verification process that culminates in the Parliament's single vote of consent to endorse the entire Commission.