BUCHAREST: The European People’s Party (EPP), the major force in the EU parliament, is expected to formally endorse the re-election bid of EU commissioner Ursula von der Leyen.
Since 2019, the current head of the European Commission has dealt with various crises, including COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, and it is seeking a new mandate that would last until 2029. To be re-appointed to the post, the 65-year-old German needs the endorsement of the EU parliament, which makes the support of the EPP crucial.
At the congress in Bucharest, Von der Leyen said that, “Our peaceful and united Europe is being challenged like never before. By populists, by nationalists, by demagogues. Whether it’s the far right or it’s the far left. They want to trample on our values, and they want to destroy our Europe. And we, the EPP, will never let that happen.”
On the opening day of the conference, EPP leader Manfred Weber praised von der Leyen as a competent leader who enjoys the support of most members. Weber added that Europe would be in good hands with her at the helm. The outcome of the secret ballot conducted in the Romanian capital is expected to be revealed shortly.
The EPP, being the largest group in the parliament, aims to demonstrate its strength before the upcoming European elections. The meeting is being led by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and attended by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Greek and Swedish counterparts Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ulf Kristersson, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. These elections will bring about a change in the political balance of power in Brussels, including the Commission.
In recent years, Ursula von der Leyen faced criticism, especially from the liberal conservatives in France, who have accused her of causing harm to farmers due to her technocratic approach. Despite her success with the European “Green Deal” during her first term, the initiative is becoming politically controversial with farmers across Europe protesting against it. With the rise of far-right parties and growing discontent, von der Leyen has put climate concerns on hold after announcing her bid a few weeks ago.
The European People’s Party recently released a manifesto calling for asylum-seekers to be moved to “safe third countries” to assess their claims. According to Chopin, Von der Leyen seems to be aiming to attract voters from the right, especially by getting closer to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with whom she recently went on a trip to Kyiv. Since Von der Leyen only secured a narrow backing of nine extra votes at the European Parliament in 2019, she understands that she needs to gather as many votes as possible to ensure a majority.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that it is the responsibility of Europe to decide who enters the continent and under what circumstances, rather than smugglers and traffickers. The President of the European Commission also stressed the importance of fulfilling international obligations. Meanwhile, Europe’s Socialists, the second-largest force in the European Parliament, highlighted the significance of the upcoming June elections, as there is expected to be a surge in support for right-wing groups.
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