By Alexandra Attalides
"If we do our job properly, Europe in 2050 will be the first continent in the world to be climate neutral, a leading force in the digital sector, an economy that manages to achieve balance between the markets and society. The task we have undertaken is not easy, but united we can succeed. "
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
At the helm, for the first time in the history of the European Commission, is a woman, Ursula von der Leyen, who has set aspirational goals for a strong social policy, climate change, the economy and the digital market. With 461 votes in favour, 157 against and 89 abstentions, the European Parliament voted and approved the new European Commission on 27 November.
The European Parliament played a key role throughout the long process of electing the European Commission. Initially, on 16 July 2019, the European Parliament elected Ms Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission. The Council then, in agreement with the newly elected President of the Commission, adopted a list of candidate Commissioners, one for each Member State, on the basis of the need to ensure gender balance. These Commissioners-designate went through a difficult hearing process before the relevant parliamentary committees, according to their field of responsibility.
The examination of the Commissioners by the Parliament is crucial, as in the past, the concerns of the European Parliament led to the withdrawal of the candidacy of 3 potential Commissioners from France, Hungary and Romania. Cypriot Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou, was entrusted with the portfolio for Health and she was successful in passing through the hearing from the members of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the European Parliament.
The role of the European Parliament is vital to this process and it is a tangible proof that European citizens can and do have a say, through the institution they themselves elect, in defining important developments within the European structure.
