27 Nov 2024
Parliament approves "von der Leyen II” Commission
During its plenary on 27 November 2024, the European Parliament elected the College of Commissioners of the second term of President von der Leyen. Ahead of the vote, Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and her programme. She confirmed the portfolio changes requested by MEPs in the course of Parliament’s evaluation process.
Ms von der Leyen announced that the Commission’s first initiative will be a competitiveness compass, to close Europe’s innovation gap with the US and China, to increase security and independence and to deliver on decarbonisation. Concerning the first pillar (closing the innovation gap) she announced her intention to put research and innovation, science and technology at the heart of the EU's economy. The President intends for the EU to invest more and focus better.
Following the Parliament's positive vote, the new European Commission is expected to take up office on 1 December 2024.
Speech by the Commission President at the European Parliament Plenary