Today’s news / New right-leaning EU commission narrowly approved
Ursula von der Leyen embraced the leader of the conservative EPP group in the EU Parliament, Manfred Weber, after Wednesday's vote. The EPP group takes 14 out of a total of 27 seats in the EU Commission, which thus turns significantly to the right. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters

New right-leaning EU commission narrowly approved

Ursula von der Leyen’s second EU Commission was narrowly approved on Wednesday in a European Parliament vote. Following a six-month hurdle course, the outcome generated joy and led to embraces among political allies. With 370 votes in favor, 282 against, and 36 abstentions, the commission secured just nine votes over the required 361. The green transition, previously a top priority, has now slipped down the agenda despite climate policies not disappearing, von der Leyen emphasizes. The focus will shift to competitiveness, security, migration, and living costs. Von der Leyen’s commission, which leans significantly rightward including members like Italy’s Raffaele Fitto of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, has faced criticism, especially from the left side of the parliament. Denmark’s new EU Commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, committed to the green agenda, believes in maintaining ambitious climate goals despite the commission’s new composition.