European Leaders Divided Over Von der Leyen's Re-Election
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's re-election sparks a blend of support, criticism, and cooperation challenges among key EU member states.
Published July 21, 2024 - 00:07am
The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission has elicited varied responses from European leaders, highlighting the complexities of intra-EU politics and the divergent priorities among its member states.
Ireland's Taoiseach, Simon Harris, announced that Ireland would not nominate a second candidate for the European Commission, standing firm on the nomination of former finance minister Michael McGrath despite von der Leyen's request for gender diversity. Harris underscored the EU treaties that allow member states to decide their commissioners, stressing the importance of adhering to these treaties. The decision has stirred some discord, particularly since von der Leyen expressed annoyance over a significant number of Irish MEPs voting against her nomination.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, despite her right-wing party voting against von der Leyen's second term, stated her willingness to continue working with her. Meloni emphasized the importance of cooperation on essential issues like immigration control but also highlighted the necessity for the EU to reduce regulation and enhance economic competitiveness. Italy, she stressed, plays a crucial role as the EU's third-largest economy and maintains stable governance among major EU nations. She affirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.-Italy alliance, irrespective of the November U.S. presidential election outcome.
Further highlighting the contentious landscape, Polish MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik launched a scathing critique against von der Leyen at a plenary session, blaming her for economic hardships and migration issues within the EU. The Polish MP even went as far as to suggest that von der Leyen should face imprisonment for her policies, particularly those promoting the migration pact, which Zajączkowska-Hernik alleges endanger millions of women and children in Europe.
Von der Leyen's re-election speech showcased her commitment to maintaining EU unity against extremism. She highlighted urgent priorities, including strengthening EU borders, supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, addressing the conflict in Gaza, and pursuing a merit-based approach to EU enlargement. Throughout her term, von der Leyen has navigated challenging issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, defense spending, and environmental goals under the European Green Deal.
Her presidency of the European People's Party (EPP) played a significant role in her re-election, securing substantial parliamentary support despite the rise of far-right parties in recent elections. Von der Leyen's approach has been characterized by consensus-building and centrist policies aimed at preventing the fragmentation of the EU. Her leadership underscores the delicate balance required to steer the bloc through periods of deep anxiety and uncertainty, dealing with both internal divisions and external threats.
The re-election process itself was a testament to the political maneuvering within the EU, with von der Leyen securing 401 out of 707 votes in a secret ballot. This outcome reflects the intricate negotiations and alliances within the European Parliament, involving various political groups from the EPP to the more Euroskeptic factions.