Political agreement on the new European Commission
The main parties in the European Parliament have reached a political agreement to approve the new European Commission team, which includes the Romanian Roxana Mânzatu.
Mihai Pelin, 21.11.2024, 14:00
The leaders of the three major political groups in the European Parliament have given the green light to the members of the next European Commission. They finally said yes to all the 7 European Commissioner nominations that were still under evaluation, thus ending the weeks-long deadlock between the EU’s political factions over the composition of the future Commission.
Between November 4 and 12 Parliament heard the prospective European commissioners in Ursula von der Leyen’s new team. After the interviews, however, for more than a week, the fate of the 6 vice-presidents and of the Hungarian nominee for public health and animal welfare commissioner Olivér Várhelyi was in limbo over political disagreements between the European People’s Party, Renew, and the Socialists and Democrats.
One of those left waiting was Roxana Mânzatu, Romania’s proposal, who would hold the post of Executive Vice-President for People, Skills and Preparedness. During the interview, she was asked questions not only about employee rights and the Erasmus programme, but also about the illegal extension of her house in Brașov, a topic also covered by Romanian media.
In a social network post, the Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu welcomed Roxana Mînzatu’s validation as vice-president of the EC and as commissioner for a “relevant” sector. She is an excellent professional and will do Romania credit, said the Romanian PM.
It is the first time since 1999 that no EU commissioner candidate has been rejected, which is a step back for the power of the EP, Politico notes. Along with the agreement on the membership of the future European Commission, the leaders of the main parties represented in Brussels also signed a document in which, as a parliamentary majority, they undertake to work together during their term in office to support Ukraine and to enhance the bloc’s security and competitiveness. The signatories also agreed to adopt a new industrial agreement and to boost circular economy, friendly to the environment. Last but not least, an efficient migration policy is being considered.
The European Parliament’s final vote on the new Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen will be given in next week’s session in Strasbourg. Two-thirds of the MEP votes are needed for the Commission to be endorsed. According to the procedural calendar, if the vote is favorable, the new commissioners will take office on December 1.
The formula proposed by Ursula von der Leyen is slightly changed, with a vice-president position for European diplomacy chief (Kaja Kallas), 5 executive vice-presidents who will also coordinate certain policies, as well as 20 commissioner posts. (AMP)
