Greens/EFA not convinced on von der Leyen proposal

Today, the next European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled the proposed candidates for Commissioners and their portfolios. The nominees will face hearings in the European Parliament in the coming weeks.

Philippe Lamberts, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, comments:

"The new Commission is a bit like a movie where we know all the casting but there's a lot of uncertainty around the plot, which is why President von der Leyen must present the Commission's work programme as soon as possible to really know how the story will play out.

"The proposal of 'one in, one out' is very concerning. Obliging the Commissioners to scrap one regulation for every new regulation is 'better regulation' on steroids and there is a high risk that it will weaken consumer and environmental protections.

"It's very positive that Margrethe Vestager will be an Executive Vice-President and retain the competition portfolio keeping-up the work she has been doing there in holding both large companies and countries to account. 

Ska Keller, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, comments:

"For the first time, we have a female President and a gender-balanced Commission where Equalities play a role, which is a welcome step forward.

"President von der Leyen has made the climate a priority of this Commission and it’s good to have a heavy weight as Timmermans responsible for this portfolio. However, Executive Vice-President for the 'European Green Deal' is a huge undertaking and a lot of priorities for one person.

"We will be watching closely to ensure that these moves go beyond nice words and translate into action. We are ready to work constructively with the new Commission to build ambitious proposals to save the planet as we have no time to waste."

"It is scary to see a proposal for a portfolio on “Protecting the European way of life which includes a responsibility for migration and border protection. We hope President von der Leyen doesn’t see a contradiction between supporting refugees and European values.

"It is very concerning to see the Hungarian nominee, László Trócsányi, who as Justice minister played an active role in undermining the rule of law nominated to the body which is charged with protecting the EU treaties and promoting European values. Recent allegations about an OLAF investigation on the Polish pick, Janusz Wojciechowski, must be addressed."