A new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has been elected with a majority support despite concerns over the inclusion of far-right politician Raffaele Fitto. The Commission aims to enhance the EU’s economic resilience, support the automotive sector, and increase defense spending in light of the Ukraine conflict. Challenges include climate policy and immigration, while navigating a complex political landscape influenced by potential shifts in U.S. leadership. The Commission will begin its term on December 1.
New EU Commission Takes Shape
The European Parliament has officially elected a new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen. Her proposed team garnered the required majority, despite concerns regarding the inclusion of the far-right politician Raffaele Fitto in the leadership.
Starting on December 1, the new EU Commission will embark on its mission following a decisive vote in Strasbourg, where 370 members supported the commission, while 282 voted against it and 36 abstained. Von der Leyen’s proposal received backing from her political group, the European People’s Party (EPP), which includes CDU and CSU, as well as significant support from the Social Democrats and Liberals. Notably, some members of the Greens and the far-right faction of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also indicated their support for the new Commission.
Key Priorities and Challenges Ahead
In her appeal for support, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of collaboration with all democratic, pro-European factions within the Parliament, stating that compromise is essential in a thriving democracy. Looking ahead, the Christian Democrats might find themselves forming coalitions with right-wing populists as they navigate the political landscape.
However, von der Leyen’s nomination of Fitto has drawn sharp criticism from the center-left. Fitto, a member of Meloni’s post-fascist party, will oversee regional funding as one of six vice-presidents, handling billions in EU resources. Von der Leyen stood by her decision, asserting her commitment to the Commission’s objectives.
The Commission President has ambitious plans to revitalize the European economy, asserting that the continent’s freedom and independence rely heavily on its economic resilience amid competition from the USA and China. New legislation will aim to enhance digital startups’ access to investment, and initiatives focused on transitioning industries towards more sustainable practices using electricity and hydrogen are in the pipeline.
Furthermore, von der Leyen has committed to supporting the automotive sector, emphasizing its significance to Europe’s identity and employment landscape. She has initiated discussions with automotive representatives to ensure that future vehicle production remains within Europe.
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, von der Leyen has called for increased defense spending, highlighting the disparity between EU and Russian defense expenditures. She proposed strengthening the defense industry and launching collaborative European defense projects, appointing former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius as the first defense commissioner, with a strategic paper expected within the first hundred days of office.
Looking ahead, von der Leyen anticipates challenges in climate policy implementation and heightened pressure to address immigration within the EU. The political climate is further complicated by the potential election of Donald Trump as the next US president, who has threatened tariffs against the EU.
Von der Leyen’s leadership was confirmed back in July, and she presented her envisioned team in September. With a staff of approximately 32,000, the EU Commission is tasked with proposing laws and ensuring adherence to EU regulations across all member states. Each of the 27 EU nations has contributed at least one male and one female nominee to the Commission, although Germany has opted not to appoint an additional commissioner under von der Leyen’s direction.