Ursula von der Leyen’s Reappointment Hinges on Conservative Support

The European People’s Party (EPP) has highlighted the necessity of negotiating with the conservative political group to ensure Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment as President of the European Commission. This strategy, they believe, is essential to secure the required support for her candidacy.

According to Corriere della Sera, EPP Vice President and leader of Italy’s Forza Italia, Antonio Tajani, emphasised the importance of these negotiations. Tajani expressed confidence that von der Leyen will ultimately be confirmed for a second term as President of the European Commission.

“There is no doubt that her candidacy will garner sufficient support during the voting process. However, she must be open to dialogue with the conservatives, and I believe she will do so,” Tajani stated.

“In the period leading up to 18 July (the voting date – Ed.), I will be working towards this goal. We need to be open to the conservatives, led by Meloni, if we are to ensure enough votes to support von der Leyen. For the sake of stability, it is crucial to have broad and confident majority support.”

Tajani also mentioned that during EPP meetings, he had protested against the insufficient consideration of Italy’s views, noting that Italy, as a key EU member state, deserves significant representation. He asserted that Italy should receive a prominent Commission post, either as a commissioner or vice president, to reflect its status within the EU.

Tajani’s political force is part of a coalition with Meloni in Italy, but their parties belong to different political groups in the European Parliament.

It is worth recalling that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had been critical of the exclusion of conservatives from previous discussions about the distribution of top EU positions and had opposed von der Leyen. Nonetheless, the proposed candidates were eventually agreed upon following the summit.

The backdrop to this development is the European Parliament’s complex political landscape, where no single party holds an outright majority. This necessitates coalition-building and negotiation among various political groups to secure key positions and pass legislation.

Von der Leyen’s initial term saw significant challenges and achievements, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing the European Green Deal, and responding to geopolitical tensions. Her reappointment would signal continuity and stability in the EU’s leadership during a period of ongoing global uncertainty.

However, her need to engage with the conservatives reflects the shifting dynamics within the European Parliament. Meloni’s group, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), has gained influence and its support is now pivotal for von der Leyen’s reappointment. This negotiation is not just about securing votes but also about addressing broader concerns and ensuring a balanced representation of different political views within the EU’s executive body.

The coming weeks will be crucial as von der Leyen and her supporters work to build the necessary alliances. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the direction of the European Commission’s policies and priorities over the next few years.

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