EU Parliament endorses Ursula von der Leyen's new commission amid political strife
- Members of the European Parliament voted 370 in favor of Ursula von der Leyen's new commission.
- The approval of the commission follows months of political strife and negotiations among different EU factions.
- The new commissioners will take office on December 1, 2024, with expectations to address pressing challenges in Europe.
In Strasbourg, on November 27, 2024, members of the European Parliament voted to approve the second College of Commissioners led by Ursula von der Leyen. This approval followed a months-long process that started with the European election in June and involved significant political infighting among various political factions within the EU. The decision came after extensive discussions and negotiations that reflected the ideological divides among the bloc’s left- and right-wing groups. A total of 370 members voted in favor of the newly formed, predominantly right-leaning commission that consists of 27 commissioners, including von der Leyen herself, with one representative from each EU member state. The new commission is set to begin its five-year term on December 1, 2024. The composition of the new commission has sparked discussions regarding its political balance. In spite of setbacks faced during the June elections, liberal parties retained five commissioners, while the Socialist and Democratic Party (S&D) secured four positions, and the far-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) received one. Concerns were raised among some factions, particularly the S&D and Renew groups, regarding the appointment of a right-winger, Fitto, as one of the commission’s vice presidents. This decision raised alarms over the ECR's newfound influence in the EU and further exacerbated tensions within and across political lines in the Parliament. Lawmakers in the EU Parliament stressed the urgency for the new commission to begin addressing the pressing challenges facing Europe, which include economic recovery, climate change, migration, and security matters. As the political landscape continues to evolve in the EU following the elections, there is a clear expectation among MEPs for swift and decisive action from the new commissioners. The approval of this new commission is crucial as Europe navigates through numerous difficulties that require coordinated policies and collaborative solutions across member states. Overall, the establishment of the second College of Commissioners under Ursula von der Leyen represents both a continuation of established policies and a shift towards a landscape that may potentially favor right-leaning ideologies in the policymaking processes of the Union. How effectively this commission can tackle the outlined challenges while maintaining a balance among varying political groups will be closely monitored as they embark on their new term.