The data released after the EU elections showed that pro-European parties still hold a majority in the European Parliament, with a coalition of four centrist parties potentially making up 64% of the legislature. However, this majority does not guarantee an easy path for Presidential hopeful Ursula von der Leyen. The approval of candidates to lead the European Commission, with von der Leyen being the most likely choice, could prove to be a challenge. In her first term, she barely secured approval by a margin of seven votes, relying on support from the Greens, Liberals, Socialists, and her own European People’s Party. With the Greens and Liberals each losing 20 MEPs, finding the necessary number of votes this time around could be even more difficult.
Despite the potential challenges ahead, there are reasons for von der Leyen to remain optimistic. The European People’s Party, of which she is a member, has performed strongly in the elections, potentially securing over a quarter of the chamber’s seats. Additionally, von der Leyen’s decision to seek formal support from political groups during her campaign, unlike in 2019, could work in her favor. However, attempts to court support from parties outside of her traditional alliances, such as the Brothers of Italy party, may risk alienating her current base of support from the left. As the electoral arithmetic becomes clearer in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Brussels and Strasbourg to see if von der Leyen can overcome this major hurdle and secure the necessary votes for her candidacy.
The fact that pro-European parties still hold a majority in the European Parliament indicates a continuation of the current trend towards European integration and cooperation. This majority gives these parties significant influence over the legislative decisions affecting the European Union for the next five years. The potential for Ursula von der Leyen to secure a second term as President of the European Commission would likely mean a continuation of the policies and priorities put forth during her first term, with a particular focus on collaboration and unity among member states.
The outcome of the vote to approve candidates for leadership positions in the European Commission will be crucial in determining the direction of the EU in the coming years. Von der Leyen’s ability to navigate the complex landscape of European politics and secure the necessary votes will be a key test of her leadership skills and ability to build consensus among diverse political factions. The support of the Greens, Liberals, Socialists, and her own European People’s Party will be critical in determining her success, and potential outreach to other parties could further shape the outcome.
Overall, the results of the EU elections suggest a continued commitment to European unity and collaboration among pro-European parties. While von der Leyen faces challenges in securing approval for a second term as President of the European Commission, her strong showing in the elections and potential support from her party provide reasons for optimism. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of the EU and whether von der Leyen can navigate the political landscape to achieve her goals. The dynamics within the European Parliament will be closely watched as the next steps unfold.
