European Commission, green light for Ursula bis but weak majority: never so few votes in favour
The new executive obtained 370 yes, 282 no, and 36 abstentions in Strasbourg
by our correspondent Beda Romano
Aggiungi Il Sole 24 Oreai preferiti su Google
3' min read
3' min read
STRASBOURG - The European Commission for the next five years, chaired by Ursula von der Leyen, won the confidence of the European Parliament today, Wednesday 27 November. The vote here in Strasbourg showed how frayed the popular-socialist-liberal majority is. There were 370 yes votes, 282 no votes and 36 abstentions (out of a total of 719 voters). There were frank abstentions, especially among the Socialists and Populars. On the other hand, the new EU executive, which will take office on 1 December, was able to count on the support of some ecologists and conservatives.
Earlier, in a speech lacking momentum, President von der Leyen had outlined the strategy of the new EU executive in the next five years. On the sensitive front of the economy, she intends to make the Draghi Report her point of reference, working on three axes: innovation, decarbonisation, and the reduction of dependence on raw materials.
"The first major initiative of the new Commission will be a competitiveness compass," said Ms von der Leyen. The compass will be based on the three pillars of the Draghi report. The first will be to close the innovation gap with the US and China. The second will be to develop a common plan for decarbonisation and competitiveness. Finally, our third objective will be to increase security and reduce dependencies'.
The automobile industry has in recent months become the litmus test of an economy in crisis. The President of the European Commission has therefore decided to launch a 'strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry in Europe'. More, Mrs von der Leyen did not say. On the table is a possible postponement of the fines that many manufacturers would have to pay in 2025 due to non-compliance with harmful emissions ceilings at fleet level.
On another sensitive front, that of defence, Mrs von der Leyen explained: 'We know that we have to do much more together as Europeans. Just one fact. Russia spends up to 9 per cent of its GDP on defence. Europe spends on average 1.9 per cent (...) Our defence spending must increase. We need a single defence market. We need to strengthen the defence industrial base. We need to improve our military mobility. We need common European defence projects.
