Vote on new Commission passes, now is the time to work
Commission
Today, Members of the European Parliament have voted in favour of the College of Commissioners, for the new legislative term. A slim majority of Greens/EFA MEPs supported the college, while a sizable minority opposed.
Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments:
“We have long argued that a strong pro-European majority is essential for stable and effective politics over the next five years. These times are incredibly uncertain with economic turbulence, the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis, and Trump's return. A slim majority of our group has voted for the College of Commissioners to ensure a stable Europe in a time of division. This was a difficult decision for our Group and was not taken lightly.
“We are ready to play ball. Only with a pro-European majority of the centre, which excludes the far-right, will we have a sustainable majority for the next five years. As demonstrated by those who voted in favour and those who voted against, we will play a cooperative but critical role in working with the Commission to deliver on the needs of the green transition, social justice and security for Europe, as well as on rule of law, on which we got additional reassurance from the Commission President during the last days.“
“When you see how other groups waved through Fitto and Várhelyi, without any issues, it’s clear that we need a truly critical and serious voice in the room for this mandate. We voted against Fitto and Várhelyi because we deem them unfit, we will be a tough watchdog, and will take this role very seriously.”
Bas Eickhout MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments:
“Our group has voted by a slim majority to support the Commission, but we remain critical on several elements. We remain opposed to Fitto and Várhelyi in the College. We will also make sure simplification will not lead to deregulation. And we still deplore that it is unclear how this Commission can truly be a Commission of investments.
“We are highly critical of how this has played out over the last few months, particularly in the Parliament, where we witnessed EPP collaborate with the far right and bringing in domestic politics during the hearings process.
“The EPP tried to kick us out of the process so they could rely on their friends in the far-right, but they failed. We will fight to stop the far-right and unmask their politics of hate and division that they are spreading in the European Parliament.
“The Commission President has extended her hand to work with us, together with the majority of Commissioners that we supported. We secured commitments to continue the Green Deal, protect democracy and the rule of law and build a more socially just Europe. Now this vote is through, it’s time to start working.”
