The European Parliament, in a session held on 27 November 2024, approved the new composition of the European Commission, which will be led by Ursula von der Leyen. The Commission, formed following the European elections earlier this year, is set to commence its mandate on 1 December.
Voting Outcome and Political Context
The new Commission was endorsed by 370 votes in favour, with 282 votes against and 36 abstentions, reflecting the fragmented political landscape of the Parliament. The vote marks the conclusion of a prolonged impasse over the finalisation of key appointments, which had delayed the formation process. Notably, the approval followed weeks of intense negotiations among political factions within the Parliament.
The previous week saw informal agreements to approve the remaining seven candidates for Commissioner roles, overcoming disputes that had centred on controversial nominees, including Italy’s Raffaele Fitto, Hungary’s Olivér Várhelyi, and Spain’s Teresa Ribera.
Key Appointments and Portfolio Adjustments
Several critical appointments in the new Commission have garnered significant attention:
- Marta Kos (Slovenia): Kos will take on the role of Commissioner for Enlargement, a position of particular importance for Ukraine’s aspirations towards EU membership. Her appointment has drawn scrutiny due to her perceived balancing act between support for Ukraine and maintaining relations with Russia. Observers have noted that her approach will be pivotal in shaping EU enlargement policy.
- Kaja Kallas (Estonia): The former Estonian Prime Minister has been named head of the European External Action Service, effectively becoming the EU’s top diplomat. Known for her firm stance against Russian aggression, Kallas is expected to bring a resolute approach to the EU’s foreign policy.
- Andrius Kubilius (Lithuania): Kubilius will assume the newly created role of Commissioner for Defence. This appointment reflects the EU’s growing emphasis on defence integration and strategic autonomy amidst evolving security challenges.
- Olivér Várhelyi (Hungary): Formerly Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Várhelyi has been reassigned to oversee Health and Animal Welfare. His new portfolio is perceived as a demotion, following controversies during his previous tenure.
Challenges Ahead
The incoming Commission faces numerous challenges, including implementing the EU’s green transition, responding to geopolitical tensions, and addressing economic recovery post-pandemic. In addition, it must navigate internal divisions among member states and factions within the Parliament, which were evident in the contentious approval process.
For Ukraine, the new Commission’s policies will be closely scrutinised, especially given Marta Kos’s role in managing the enlargement portfolio. Her approach to reforms in candidate countries and EU’s stance on enlargement will have far-reaching implications for Kyiv and other aspirant nations.
Diplomatic Focus
Kaja Kallas’s appointment is seen as a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to maintaining a firm stance on Russia. Her leadership in the EU’s diplomatic corps could reinforce the bloc’s unified approach to external threats while fostering closer ties with strategic partners.
The inclusion of a Commissioner for Defence highlights the EU’s intent to deepen its role in global security, an area where Andrius Kubilius’s expertise will be instrumental. His appointment underscores the bloc’s strategic pivot towards enhancing its defence capabilities and responding more effectively to emerging threats.
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