STRASBOURG – The newly-elected European Parliament has given the green light for Ursula von der Leyen to remain President of the European Commission for the next five years at today’s plenary session. The candidacy of von der Leyen, a German politician from the European People’s Party, for the second term at the helm of the Commission, was backed by 401 votes in a secret ballot, whereas 284 members of the EP voted against it, 15 abstained from the voting and 7 ballot papers were declared void. A total of 707 MEPs voted.
The vote was seen as a crucial moment for Ursula von der Leyen, because if she had failed the “test” in Parliament, i.e. if she had failed to get at least 361 votes out of a total of 720 MEPs, European leaders would have a month to choose another candidate for Commission President. It is believed that the backing of some MEPs from the Green group was a “tipping point”, in addition to the “yes” votes by the majority of the MEPS from the EPP, S&D, and “Renew Europe” (liberals) groups. On the other hand, the MEPs from the right and far-right groups in the EP voted against her re-election.
Since she got the green light from the EP, Ursula von der Layen should announce in early September the distribution of portfolios in the EC and how she will organise the work of the future Commission. Finally, all Commissioners, including the President and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the EC, must obtain the consent of the European Parliament, which will be preceded by hearings of the nominated Commissioners in the relevant Parliamentary Committees.
“Europe can choose to protect its own democracy”
In her address to the European Parliament, before voting, the candidate for President of the European Commission presented the work programme for the next five years, which included the topics such as competitiveness, continued assistance to Ukraine, the need to reform the EU in order it to be ready for the admission of new members, and strengthening the defense and security system.
“Europe now faces a clear choice. A choice which will shape our work for 5 years and define our place in the world for the next 50… Europe cannot control dictators and demagogues across the world, but it can choose to protect its own democracy. Europe cannot determine elections across the world, but it can choose to invest in the security and defence of its own continent. Europe cannot stop change, but it can choose to embrace it by investing in a new age of prosperity and improving our quality of life”, Ursula von der Leyen stressed.
European Green Deal – a key to prosperity
Claiming that the EU lives in a period of “deep insecurity”, von der Leyen stated that the key priority for the new EC would be the enhancement of prosperity and competitiveness. She clarified that it implied meeting the criteria set by the European Green Deal.
“In the last years, we have concluded 35 new agreements on clean tech, hydrogen and critical raw materials with global partners. This is the European Green Deal in action. So I want to be clear. We will stay the course on our new growth strategy and the goals we set for 2030 and 2050. Our focus now will be on implementation and investment to make it happen on the ground. This is why I will put forward a new Clean Industrial Deal in the first 100 days. It will channel investment in infrastructure and industry, in particular for energy-intensive sectors”, she explained.
Harsh criticism of Orbán’s visit to Russia
Stating that their investment in security and defence should be promoted, which implied continued support to Ukraine, von der Leyen said that Russia was still on the offensive in East Ukraine and that the next winter (in this war) could be even harsher than the last.
“Russia is banking on Europe and the West going soft. And some, in Europe, are playing along. Two weeks ago, an EU Prime Minister went to Moscow. This so-called peace mission was nothing but an appeasement mission”, she remarked, which was a reference to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and was applauded by some members of the EP.
A Commissioner for the Mediterranean region will be appointed
In her speech, Ursula von der Leyen also referred to the need for even stronger protection of the EU’s internal and external borders, so that the EU’s migration policy would be “better structured and fairer”. Therefore, she announced that a Commissioner for the Mediterranean region would be appointed.
“Inviting countries into our Union is a moral, a historical and a political responsibility”
Speaking about the EU enlargement, von der Leyen pointed out that “inviting countries into our Union is a moral, a historical and a political responsibility”.
“It is an enormous geostrategic responsibility for Europe. Because in today’s world, a larger Union will be a stronger Union. It will strengthen our voice in the world. It will help reduce our dependencies. And it will ensure that democracy, prosperity and stability spread across Europe”, she said.
Von der Leyen added that the EU would support candidates, by working on investment and reforms and integrating them where it can into its legal frameworks.
“Accession will always be a merit-based process. And we will ensure that all countries are ready, before joining. But completing our Union is also in our core interest. And it will be a core priority for my Commission. History is calling once again. The Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have made their free choice. They have chosen freedom over oppression. They have chosen democracy over dependency. And some of them are paying a high price for this choice. So we must make our choice, and show steadfast commitment. Their future will be free and prosperous, inside our Union”, she said, and remarked that the Treaty of Lisbon should be altered to a certain extent, having in mind the admission of the new member states.
“Rule of law will be at the heart of our work”
Stressing the importance of protecting “all parts of our democracy”, Ursula von der Leyen said that the EC will protect the free media and civil society.
“Respecting the rule of law is a must for EU funds. In this budget, and in the future, with the conditionality mechanism. It is non-negotiable. Because this is the core of our European way of life”, she underlined.