With 401 votes, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected to the position of Commission President, the members of the European Parliament decided by secret ballot, in the process taking place in Strasbourg.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, gave clarifications to the MEPs, before the voting started.
The Greens/EFA Group has formally decided to support Ursula @vonderleyen: as @EU_Commission President.
As part of the 4-party majority, we have secured commitments on the #EUGreenDeal, making the EU more socially fair & protecting democracy.
We keep the far-right out of power.
— Greens/EFA in the EU Parliament 🌍 (@GreensEFA) July 18, 2024
The head of the Commission is expected to be re-elected, despite any individual leaks from the governing coalition, as she also secured the positive votes of the Green group, who gave her their official support.
"As part of the four-party majority, we have secured commitments to the European Green Deal, social justice and the protection of democracy. We keep the far right out of power. But our work is just beginning. We must put an end to the fossil fuel era. And we will stand strong to provide protection for those leaving for war. Together, we are ready to build a better Europe", they wrote in X.
He presented the priorities for the next five years
The president of the Commission earlier spoke to the body of MEPs, presenting her priorities for the coming years. She pledged to put the competitiveness of the European Union's economy at the center of her second term. At the same time, he promised to stand by Ukraine as long as necessary.
At the same time, he made many references to the increased cost of living, the problem of finding housing, farmers and the need for transparency, accountability and independence of the Mass Media.
Ursula von der Leyen needs 361 votes to be re-elected for a second term.
New commissioner positions
Von der Leyen also referred to her intention to create new Commissioner positions.
In particular, he announced that he would appoint a vice president to reduce bureaucracy.
It will also create new portfolios specifically for fisheries and oceans, tackling the housing crisis, the Mediterranean Sea and equality.
Source: protothema.gr
