She finally succeeded Ursula von der Leyen: in the vote that took place in Strasbourg at noon on Thursday, 401 MEPs voted for it and only 284 against, while 15 abstentions and 7 invalid ballots were recorded. This means that in all probability the European People’s Party (EPP), the European Socialists (S&D), the Liberals, and also the Greens voted “disciplinedly” in favor of von der Leyen, without any leaks. Unless the leaks were offset by other votes from the ultra-conservative ECR group or individual unregistered MEPs. Absolute certainty cannot exist, as the vote was secret.

In the first statements after her re-election, in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen spoke of an “emotionally charged moment”, considering that the wider majority she gathered in relation to 2019 is also a “recognition for her work” in recent years five years. Regarding the composition of the new Commission, he emphasized that there will again be an equal presence of men and women and that she herself will soon be in contact with the European leaders, with the aim of making the necessary arrangements with the “most suitable candidates” at the end of August .

Shortly before the vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary began, the political group of the European Left had asked for a postponement until September “for reasons of transparency” after yesterday’s verdict of the European Court of Justice, which confirmed an earlier decision by the Commission not to make part of the agreement public for the supply of vaccines against Covid. However, the majority of MEPs rejected the request to postpone the vote.

“Prosperity and Competitiveness”

It was preceded by an extensive debate in the Strasbourg Plenary, with Ursula von der Leyen presenting her positions in detail before the political groups. And here the strongest criticism came from the European Left, with the group’s co-president Manon Aubry stating, addressing the president of the Commission: “Your anti-social policy opens the way for the advent of the Far Right. You weren’t even supposed to show up here today.”

As happened before her election for the first term, the president of the Commission once again made abundant promises to all political groups. With one difference: While in 2019 she had outlined the Green Deal and the “green transition” of the economy as her main priority (responding to the unprecedented electoral success of the Greens at the time), now she seems to be pushing the economic and social agenda.

“Prosperity and competitiveness” will be the top priority of the new Commission, says Ursula von der Leyen. To add that “we need to deepen the single market, with less bureaucracy” and “more incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises which are the backbone of the economy”. He even promises the establishment of a New European Competitiveness Fund, for which, however, he does not specify how it will be financed.

“Commissioner for the Mediterranean”

As the crisis in the housing market and unaffordable rents “torture” more and more Europeans, Ursula von der Leyen saw fit to refer to this issue as well, even promising to appoint a “Commissioner with direct responsibility for the housing market”. But how is “direct competence” substantiated when there is no relevant legislative provision for the Commission, while as a rule national governments also declare incompetence, referring to private initiative? Hopefully we’ll learn more in due course.

Another interesting announcement: For the first time, the president of the Commission promises to appoint a Commissioner for the Mediterranean, recognizing the “special importance” of this particular geographical region. A good case for Greece seeking an upgraded role in Brussels in the next five years? Or is it more about Giorgia Meloni’s Italy, who has made it clear that she demands a strong portfolio in return for her support?

If the reports that Athens is also interested in the Georgia portfolio are true, of particular interest is Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement that she will promote a “Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Georgia” so that farmers in Europe can ensure a satisfactory income. “One cannot sell high-quality food at prices below cost,” assures the president of the Commission.

As for the Green Deal, it probably hasn’t been forgotten. “Europe is currently investing more in clean hydrogen than the US and China combined. This is the Green Deal in full swing,” says Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg. In addition, she promises to move within the first 120 days of her new term on the next step, which will be a “New Clean Industrial Deal” that will accelerate the transition from fossil fuels while contributing to energy conservation.

“As long as it takes” in Ukraine

The president of the Commission made a special reference to the European “anti-missile shield”, an ambitious defense plan, which is supported by Germany, Greece and Poland, among others. As he claims, this initiative is considered necessary, “not only to protect our airspace, but also to send a strong message of unity”.

Referring to other international challenges, Ursula von der Leyen used “Draghi terminology” to send a clear message that support for Kiev will continue “as long as necessary”. “As long as it takes” was the verbatim wording, as the then head of the European Central Bank said in 2012 when announcing a massive intervention in the secondary bond market.