The European Parliament has approved the new European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen in her second term as president.
The Commission will prioritize security, economic growth, green transition, and enlargement, particularly focusing on Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.
The new composition was backed by 370 MEPs, with 282 against and 36 abstaining, surpassing the required simple majority of 688 votes cast. Support came from the European People’s Party, some Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens, and Conservatives, while opposition came from the far-right Patriotes for Europe, the Europe of Sovereign Nations bloc, and the Left.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the Commission’s work will build on three key pillars: closing the innovation gap with the U.S. and China, advancing decarbonization, and strengthening security while reducing dependency on external nations. The new Commission is expected to officially begin its mandate on December 1, 2024, after formal confirmation by the European Council.
Executive Vice Presidents:
Teresa Ribera (Spain): Overseeing Clean, Fair, and Competitive Transition
Henna Virkkunen (Finland): Responsible for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy
Stéphane Séjourné (France): Focusing on Prosperity and Industrial Strategy
Kaja Kallas (Estonia): High Representative for Foreign Policy and Commission Vice President
Roxana Mînzatu (Romania): Leading People, Skills, and Preparedness
Raffaele Fitto (Italy): Driving Cohesion and Reforms
Commissioners:
Maroš Šefčovič (Slovakia): Trade and Economic Security, also overseeing customs and interinstitutional relations.
Valdis Dombrovskis (Latvia): Economy and Productivity, with additional focus on implementation and simplification.
Dubravka Šuica (Croatia): Mediterranean Commissioner, working closely with Kaja Kallas on southern neighborhood policies.
Oliver Várhelyi (Hungary): Health and Animal Welfare Commissioner.
Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands): Leading Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth initiatives.
Andrius Kubilius (Lithuania): Defense and Space Commissioner, advancing the European Defense Union.
Josef Síkela (Czech Republic): Commissioner for International Partnerships.
Costas Kadis (Cyprus): Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.
Maria Luís Albuquerque (Portugal): Financial Services and Savings-Investment Union.
Hadja Lahbib (Belgium): Crisis Preparedness and Management Commissioner.
Magnus Brunner (Austria): Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration.
Jessika Roswall (Sweden): Environment, Water Sector Resilience, and Circular Economy.
Piotr Serafin (Poland): Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration Commissioner.
Dan Jørgensen (Denmark): Commissioner for Energy and Housing.
Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria): Research and Innovation Commissioner.
Michael McGrath (Ireland): Democracy, Justice, and Rule of Law Commissioner.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Greece): Sustainable Transport and Tourism Commissioner.
Christophe Hansen (Luxembourg): Agriculture and Food Commissioner.
Glenn Micallef (Malta): Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth, and Sport Commissioner.
The new European Commission marks a renewed focus on competitiveness, sustainability, and unity, with its agenda set to tackle pressing issues and promote cohesion across the bloc.
