Will Ursula von der Leyen be reelected as EC President?

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Why the next President of the EU Commission matters to EFTTA
 

On July 18, the newly elected European Parliament will vote the President of the European Commission for the next legislative period.

The outcome of this election will not only decide whether Ursula von der Leyen remains President of the Commission, but also impact the future of EFTTA’s lobby work. 

Because the European Commission is where EFTTA’s lobby work starts. Here, new laws and programs are developed before being submitted to the European Parliament and Council.

The Commission President is empowered to allocate portfolios among, reshuffle, or dismiss Commissioners if necessary.

As a result, EFTTA's lobbying will be greatly influenced by those who are assigned portfolios for environment, fisheries, industry, tourism, and energy.

 
What happens on 18 July?

  • At 9 AM, Ursula von der Leyen will deliver a speech at the European Parliament, followed by a debate until 11 AM. 

  • At 1 PM, the secret vote will take place. After 30 minutes, the votes will be counted. 

  • Around 2:45 PM, the result will be announced.

  • If Ursula von der Leyen is approved (361 votes out of 720 are needed), the European Council officially appoints the new President. 

  • If Ursula von der Leyen gets less than 361 votes, the European Council must propose a new candidate within 1 month.

What happens next?

  • Once the new President of the European Parliament is appointed, 26 commissioners must be designated, one from each Member State (except the president’s country). The Commissioners do not represent the views of their country. They must be “political colour and country-blind” to represent the common interests of the EU.

  • In 2019, Ursula von der Leyen asked EU member states to provide her with two names each, male and female, the aim was to create a gender-balanced team. She is expected to do that again - most likely to the dismay of some national Governments, who prefer to push forward their top candidate, and only him/her.

  • In 2019 the hearing to designate the Commissioners took place in October with a parliament confirmation vote on 27 November 2019. The voted College of Commissioners took office on 1st December 2019 for five years. However, this year the term does not end on 1st December but a month earlier. The new Commission is scheduled to take office on 1st November 2024.

 

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