EU NEIGHBOURS. In a roll call vote that took place at noon on Wednesday, MEPs approved the new College of Commissioners with 461 votes in favour, 157 against and 89 abstentions.
During her opening statement, European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen reiterated many of the commitments she made in Parliament’s plenary chamber in July, and by the Commissioners-designate during the hearings process. She highlighted that appropriate investment and regulatory frameworks will be put into place for Europe to lead the way internationally on a range of critical issues: environmental protection and climate change, growth, inclusion, innovation and digitalisation, as well as the protection of democracy, European values, citizens’ rights and the rule of law. She also confirmed a portfolio change that Parliament had requested following the hearings, which established the candidates’ suitability for the role and for the College of Commissioners.
Female representation in the Commission is the highest it has ever been: in addition to the President-elect, the current composition of the Commission comprises 11 female members and 15 male members.
The new Commission needs to be formally appointed by EU heads of state or government. Its five-year term is expected to start on 1 December.
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Copyright: European Parliament
