Statement by the candidate for President of the Commission

In a vote held after the address, Ursula von der Leyen was elected with 401 votes in favour to 284 against, and 15 abstentions.

On the morning of July 18, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the Parliament in its Plenary configuration, and outlined her priorities before being re-elected Commission President. Reactions from MEPs followed her address.  

The debate began with a presentation of the programme that von der Leyen would seek to put forward under the next mandate. During her introductory speech, von der Leyen explained that her priorities would focus on prosperity and competitiveness, as well as fulfilling the Green Deal in a fashion that supports industry and citizens. In this respect, she pledged to come forward with a green industrial plan in the first 100 days of her term. She also stressed the need to focus on investment through the promotion of the Capital Markets Union and a proposal for a European competitiveness fund. Other priorities included a stronger European focus on defence and security, the fight against organised crime, stronger external border management, enlargement, the rule of law, social policy and the future of agriculture and protection of farmers. 

In general, those speaking from the EPP, S&D, Renew and the Greens spoke in favour of her candidacy, while MEPs from the far-right and far-left groups expressed their opposition. Support for her proposed programme was strong amongst the major pro-European forces, with the centre-right welcoming her proposals on competitiveness and the liberals supporting her calls for respect of the rule of law. The S&D supported her programme, but argued for more social policy measures. Meanwhile, the extreme right voiced objection to her climate policies, whilst the far-left criticised her position on Gaza.

The Commission President-elect will now send official letters to member state heads of state or government inviting them to put forward their candidates for European Commissioner posts. Parliament will then organise nominee hearings in the relevant committees after the summer. The full college of Commissioners then needs to be endorsed by Parliament.

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