The president appointed 27 commissioners to represent each European Union country; take over on December 1, 2024
The European Parliament this Wednesday (November 27, 2024) presented the new team of commissioners proposed by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The vote in Strasbourg (France) was close, with 370 votes in favor, 270 against and 36 abstentions.
With the approval of the legislature, the 27 names that will represent each EU country (European Union) will be able to take office on December 1st. The terms of office are 5 years, like that of President von der Leyen, until 2029.
The EU leadership is divided into sectors similar to the Executive, Judiciary and Legislative branches of Brazil and other republics. The European Commission is made up of a team of 27 commissioners responsible for ensuring the implementation of laws proposed by the European Parliament.
They are divided into thematic committees, with 5 of them holding the positions of executive vice-president. Former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will be von der Leyen’s direct deputy.
The president of the Commission, who nominates the names, promised to solve economic and migration problems across Europe under the new composition. “Today is a good day for Europe”said German von der Leyen in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Parliament approved the team of commissioners in a polarized manner. The result of the vote was the smallest majority in history to elect a new Commission. Partisan and ideological disputes among European legislators shortened the gap not Legislative.
Conservative parties opposed appointments such as Teresa Ribeira, linked to the Spanish government of Pedro Sánchez. While left-wing coalitions were against the name of Italian Raffaele Fitto, an ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“Our fight for freedom may be different from that of past generations. But the stakes are just as high […] These freedoms will not come for free. It means making difficult choices. It means a massive investment in our security and prosperity.”von der Leyen told parliamentarians.
