Von der Leyen steps in to save her Commission from MEP squabbles

By Magnus Lund Nielsen and Nicoletta Ionta

The leaders of the EPP, S&D, and Renew groups met earlier today (13 November) at the Berlaymont to negotiate a package deal to confirm the new European Commission amid increasing political tensions, but no agreement was reached, Euractiv has learned.  

The first week of confirmation hearings revealed a markedly different tone when compared to five years ago, with a weaker and somewhat dull grilling process reflecting the desire to get the Commission up and running as quickly as possible.  

But hopes for swift approval of the 26 candidates quickly faded earlier this week, as political trade-offs and national agendas took centre stage in the European Parliament.    

Ironically, the drama began on Monday 11 November: Armistice Day, the 105th anniversary of the truce ending World War One. 

On Monday, political leaders from the centrist coalition of the EPP, S&D and Renew, as well as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, agreed in a meeting to delay the confirmation of the candidates for executive vice president (EVP), aiming to create a comprehensive package to approve all six nominees.  

But as hearings progressed the following day, tensions escalated, with the EPP intensifying its rhetoric against Spain’s pick, Teresa Ribera (S&D). 

EPP will ‘need some time’ before making Séjourné decision. While the hearing was not a failure, they were not happy they did not get all the information they needed.

Updated: EVP confirmation meetings are to be postponed. Parliamentary sources told Euractiv that EPP, S&D and Renew leaders moved to delay in a bid to create a comprehensive deal to approve all six EVP candidates.

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• The European Parliament's plenary session will continue for a second day, debates will be on the following issues; Presentation of the report on how to enhance Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness (the Niinistö Report), Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness. (The recent floods in Valencia, Spain, will likely dominate the debate.)
• European Commissioner Didier Reynders participates in a dialogue organised by the Alumni Association of the College of Europe.
• European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra holds a meeting, via videoconference, with representatives of the CAN Europe the NGO coalition.