EU Insight, 19 July 2024

Brussels, 19 July 2024

URSULA VON DER LEYEN ELECTED AS COMMISSION PRESIDENT FOR SECOND TERM

During its constitutive session, the new European Parliament re-elected Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President, handing her a new five-year mandate at the helm of the EU’s executive. This week’s vote came after intense negotiations with the different political groups to ensure she would obtain sufficient support to reach the necessary 361 vote threshold. Evidently von der Leyen’s efforts paid off as her secured 401 votes in favour ensured a clearer majority for her second term, compared to 2019, when she was elected by a margin of only 9 votes. Moving forward, President von der Leyen will be tasked with overseeing and orchestrating the structure and responsibilities of the new College of Commissioners in the coming months.

SECOND VON DER LEYEN COMMISSION TO FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS

Ahead of her re-election, von der Leyen presented her vision for the new mandate, via the political guidelines of the Commission 2024-2029. Overall, the document underlines her support for a continuation of the Green Deal’s implementation, while ensuring sufficient flexibility, and a reduction of regulatory burden to ensure the EU remains globally economically competitive. Concrete proposals include the establishment of a new Clean Industrial Deal, a commitment to ambitious 2040 emission reduction targets, as well as implementing competitiveness checks for legislation. In light of the current geopolitical environment, von der Leyen makes European Defence another key pillar of her vision, where she commits to appointing a new dedicated Commissioner.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT KICKS OFF: ELECTION OF PRESIDENT AND NEW BUREAU INSTALLED

Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election was not the only big-ticket item on the agenda during this week’s European Parliament plenary. Earlier in the week, the plenary also re-elected Roberta Metsola as the European Parliament President for a 2.5-year term. As was agreed by Member State leaders in the June European Council, Christian Democrat Metsola is likely to be succeeded by a member of the European Socialists. In addition to Metsola’s re-election, the plenary also elected the new bureau of the European Parliament, consisting of 14 Vice-Presidents and 5 Quaestors. The bureau is the institutions key leadership body, responsible for overseeing the Parliament’s day-to-day operations and managing its administrative functions.

EU INSTITUTIONS REAFFIRM STRONG SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

The newly elected European Parliament also adopted its first official position on the Ukraine war. Notably, the resolution reaffirms the institution’s support for Ukraine, condemns Russia’s aggression and advocates for sustained military, economic, and humanitarian aid. In parallel, the European Commission unlocked the first aid payment under the EU’s Ukraine Facility. The payment of almost €4.2, is part of the aid package totalling €50 billion worth of funds destined to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and EU integration from 2024 until 2027. The Commission’s decision to unlock the payment follows internal institutional reforms and the adoption of Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan for its 2030 energy transition.

COMMISSION EARMARKS €7 BILLION OF INVESTMENTS INTO TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

The Commission selected 134 projects to receive over €7 billion in grants from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The facility, launched in 2021 and running until 2027, counts with a total of €25.8 billion in grants, aimed to co-fund transport infrastructure investments across the EU under the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network. This most recent call which is the largest to date under the programme destines 80% of the funds towards rail projects including major cross-border connections, and overall aims to support the EU’s climate objectives. The funding also aims to upgrade maritime ports, improve inland waterway connections, enhance road safety, develop the Single European Sky for air traffic, and boost the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 22 July: Foreign Affairs Council. On the agenda: Russian aggression against Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, digital diplomacy.
• 22-23 July: Informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers. On the agenda: cooperation against organised crime, migration, security and judicial cooperation.
• 24 July: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: 2024 Rule of Law Report.
• 24-25 July: Informal meeting of health ministers.

Karl Isaksson, Managing Partner Brussels, Kreab

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Kreab • Tel: +32 2 737 6900 • karl.isaksson@kreab.com • www.kreab.com/brussels • X: @KreabEU  •  LinkedIn: Kreab Worldwide