Von der Leyen re-elected, pro-European majority holds. "An EU fund for competitiveness". New commissioners for defence and the Mediterranean

On the defence front, the president-designate announced that in the next five years she intends to create a European defence union, without taking away national control of the armed forces. In this context, she announced the creation of a new post, that of defence commissioner. The latter announcement represents, at least formally, a historic step for a European Union born on economic rather than military foundations.

Concretely, Ms von der Leyen proposes to continue on the path started with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It will therefore be a matter of the member states cooperating more and more in cybersecurity, in the production of armaments, in public procurement. In her guidelines, the former German Defence Minister refers among other things to the Greek-Polish proposal for a European Air Shield, again in cooperation with NATO. Europol is to become 'a real and operational police agency'.

On the sensitive and divisive immigration front, the work programme for 2024-2029 stipulates that the European Commission will support 'Member States and businesses with legal migration that is based on the skills needs of our economies and regions'. Ms von der Leyen adds in her guidelines: 'We will always respect human rights (...) There will be no impunity for smugglers and people smugglers'. European customs officers are to be increased from 10 to 30,000.

On the subject of human rights, the president-designate is evidently concerned about the social and demographic crisis on the continent. As a former doctor, she explains that it is important to 'protect the mental health of our children and young people, especially online'. In this sense, she announces that she intends to create the position of Equality Commissioner, also to defend the rights of homosexuals, women, foreigners and all those who are victims of racism.

"The quality of life in Europe," continues Ms von der Leyen, "depends on the availability of a secure and affordable supply of quality local food. Agriculture is a fundamental part of our European way of life and must always remain so (...) We must enable farmers to work their land without excessive bureaucracy, support family farms and reward farmers who work with nature.

Finally, the intention to create the post of commissioner to the Mediterranean is worth mentioning. "He will focus on investments and partnerships, economic stability, job creation, energy, security, migration and other areas of mutual interests, while respecting our values and principles." The initiative comes after Brussels has promoted bilateral agreements with Tunisia and Egypt, among others, in recent years.

After today's vote, it will be a matter of forming a new college of commissioners for the new president, incorporating at least some of the suggestions of the member states. Afterwards, hearings will be organised so that the European Parliament can assess the candidates. The new European Commission could see the light of day in November. Ursula von der Leyen is the third Commission President to be reappointed, after Jacques Delors in 1989 and José Manuel Barroso in 2009.