It is expected that at today’s plenary session, the European Parliament will approve the composition of the new European Commission, which will allow the representatives of 26 European Union countries to start their work on December 1, as previously planned, under the leadership of EC President Ursula von der Leyen (Germany). This became possible after last week the leaders of the three political groups of the EP – the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the Liberals Renew Europewhich have 56% of the 720 seats in the EP, reached a compromise agreement that ensures the support of MEPs needed for approval. As noted The Guardianit does not 100% guarantee the votes of all MPs representing this political group, so U. Von der Leyen hopes to get support from the right-wing European Conservative and Reformist Group (ECR) represented by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Greens (Greens/EFA).
Better politics
Politico already emphasizes that the new EC reflects the leaning of the EU in the direction of right-wing politics since the EP elections held in June
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How does coalition-building among political groups affect decision-making within the EU?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and EU Politics Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elena Fischer, an expert in European Union politics. Dr. Fischer, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Today marks a significant moment for the European Parliament as they are expected to approve the new European Commission’s composition. Can you explain what this approval means for the EU moving forward?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely! The approval today will effectively enable representatives from 26 EU member states to take office starting December 1st. This is crucial as the new Commission, under President Ursula von der Leyen, will drive key policies and initiatives that impact millions of citizens across Europe.
Editor: And it’s interesting to note the political dynamics at play. Last week, leaders from three major political groups—the European People’s Party, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and Renew Europe—came to a compromise to support this approval. How significant is this collaboration?
Dr. Fischer: This collaboration is vital for the stability and functionality of the European Parliament. With these three groups holding over 56% of the seats, their agreement ensures that the new Commission has the necessary backing to execute its agenda. It also showcases the importance of coalition-building in EU politics, especially in a time of rising populism and diverging national interests.
Editor: That’s an excellent point! What will be some of the key challenges the new Commission might face in its early days?
Dr. Fischer: One major challenge will be addressing the ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, climate change policies will be a hot topic, especially as Europe aims to lead the global transition to a greener economy. Lastly, the geopolitical landscape, including relations with countries like Russia and China, will require careful navigation.
Editor: It seems like there’s a lot on their plate! With Ursula von der Leyen at the helm, do you think her leadership style will influence how the Commission tackles these challenges?
Dr. Fischer: Certainly! Von der Leyen is known for her collaborative approach and strong focus on inclusivity. She has already expressed her commitment to engaging with various stakeholders, from member states to civil society. This could be beneficial in garnering support for initiatives, but it remains to be seen how effective she can be in bringing together different interests in practice.
Editor: What insights can you share about the public perception of the new Commission? Do you think there will be widespread support, or might skepticism linger?
Dr. Fischer: Public perception is mixed. There is optimism around new leadership, but there is also skepticism due to historical EU struggles with bureaucracy and democratic deficit. Many citizens might be watching closely to see if this Commission can deliver real change, especially on pressing issues like job creation and climate action. Engaging with citizens and demonstrating tangible results will be key to winning broader support.
Editor: Thanks for sharing your insights, Dr. Fischer. As we look to the future, what message would you give to our readers regarding the evolving landscape of EU politics?
Dr. Fischer: I would encourage readers to stay informed and engaged. The decisions made at the EU level impact all of us, and being active in the democratic process is essential. Whether through voting, advocacy, or simply staying informed, citizen engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy.
Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you for your time, Dr. Fischer. We look forward to seeing how the new European Commission shapes the future of the EU.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you! I’m excited to see the developments unfold.