Special envoy to Strasbourg
CIt was with a smaller majority than in July that the European Parliament approved the new Commission this afternoon. Of the 688 votes cast, 370 voted for, 282 against and 36 abstained. A narrower majority than in July, when the President of the Commission was elected for a second term, with 401 votes.
Ursula von der Leyen and her 26 commissioners were largely endorsed by the PPE (conservative) and Renew (liberal) groups, with a little more skepticism among the socialists. Apart from the traditional “European majority”, the Greens and, to a lesser extent, the Conservatives and Reformists of Giorgia Meloni also partially supported the new executive.
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In the Belgian ranks, the French-speakers had announced that they would not support the new Commission. The MR and the Engagés therefore abstained. For their part, the PS, Ecolo and the PTB voted against. All denouncing the vice-presidency entrusted to Raffaele Fitto, member of Fratelli d’Italia (ECR, far right). On the Dutch-speaking side, the N-VA, the CD&V and the Open VLD supported the new Commission, while the Vlaams Belang voted against, and Vooruit abstained.
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In pleading the cause of her college, “the team that Europe needs at this moment in history”, Ursula von der Leyen praised its diversity but deplored the lack of parity. “At the start of the nominations process, I had five women’s names. I fought tooth and nail to get to eleven. It’s not even half, it’s definitely not enough. There is still a lot of work. » On the other hand, rejoices the head of the executive, the latter has, in addition to 27 nationalities, all generations, “former prime ministers, ministers, mayors, journalists, business owners, biologists and physicists. Some experienced war, others the transition to democracy.” With a special mention for Hadja Lahbib, in charge of Equality, “who herself has broken so many glass ceilings”.
The Belgian commissioner, once the vote took place, reacted, emphasizing the “honor and responsibility” of the mission. Which will be, from the 1stis December, “to protect Europeans and strengthen their rights. To embody the Union in its founding values by giving it a fair and human face. To respond to citizens’ expectations through solidarity and inclusion, and to their concerns through a strategy of preparation and prevention of crises and threats.
“At work”
At the conclusion of her speech to the deputies, Ursula von der Leyen insisted on the urgency of getting to work “immediately”. Marking the priority of the legislature: competitiveness, which will have its “compass”, “first major initiative of the new Commission”. Which will be broken down into three pillars: innovation, decarbonization and security. And will require “new approaches”: investments, public and private, regulatory simplification, an up-to-date workforce (qualitatively and quantitatively). Areas of work that will mobilize almost all of the commissioners, with very mixed skills. “It’s a team,” insists the one who is more than ever its leader. “Let’s get to work,” she concluded.
Belgium
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