EU parliament green lights von der Leyen’s new EU Commission amid rising challenges
The European Parliament has given the final greenlight for EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's new executive commission to start work, as the bloc faces mounting challenges.
The European Union is gearing up for significant challenges as it enters a new term under Ursula von der Leyen, beginning with her second mandate as the head of the European Commission.
A total of 370 MEPs voted in favour of the new Commission's composition, 282 voted against, and 36 abstained.
Following the green light from the Strasbourg-based parliament, the EU executive still needs to be formally approved by the European Council – with a qualified majority – before it takes office take office on 1 December.
The new Commission, consisting of 27 members, will address the key priorities for the bloc's future..
Taking over from Josep Borrel, Estonia's former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will take the lead as the EU's chief diplomat, while Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius will oversee efforts to enhance European defence capabilities.
Economic policy is another key focus as the EU seeks to strengthen its competitiveness against both the US and China.
Trade relationships will be subject to scrutiny, particularly given Trump’s threat of imposing tariffs on EU goods.
Since the beginning of her first mandate, von der Leyen's leadership style has shifted perceptions of the EU Commission, by strengthening its operational capacity and focus.
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