A majority of Members of the European Parliament gave on Wednesday the final approval to the new European Commission of Ursula von der Leyen, allowing the executive to take office on 1 December and kick-start the five-year legislative cycle, Euronews reports.
The proposed Commission obtained 370 votes in favor, 282 against and 36 abstentions from lawmakers in Strasbourg, enough to pass.
In her introduction speech, von der Leyen promised a Commission head-on focused on reviving the EU’s stagnant economy, boosting competitiveness, cutting red tape, unlocking investment and closing the innovation gap with the United States and China.
Support for Ukraine, defense, migration management, enlargement, climate action, budget reform and the rule of law will also be among her team’s top priorities, set to be shaped by a right-wing shift across the bloc.
“Our fight for freedom may look different to generations past. But the stakes are just as high,” von der Leyen told lawmakers.
“These freedoms will not come for free. It will mean making difficult choices. It will mean massive investment in our security and prosperity. And above all, it will mean staying united and true to our values.”
Wednesday’s tally is noticeably smaller than the 401 votes that von der Leyen secured from the Parliament when she pitched her re-election in July, reflecting a shrinking majority backed by fewer progressives and more right-wing forces.
