The European Parliament has given the final greenlight for EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's new executive commission to start work, as the bloc faces mounting challenges.
The European Union is gearing up for significant challenges as it enters a new term under Ursula von der Leyen, beginning with her second mandate as the head of the European Commission.
A total of 370 MEPs voted in favour of the new Commission's composition, 282 voted against, and 36 abstained.
Following the green light from the Strasbourg-based parliament, the EU executive still needs to be formally approved by the European Council – with a qualified majority – before it takes office take office on 1 December.
The new Commission, consisting of 27 members, will address the key priorities for the bloc's future..
Taking over from Josep Borrel, Estonia's former Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will take the lead as the EU's chief diplomat, while Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius will oversee efforts to enhance European defence capabilities.
The issue of increased defence spending has escalated across the Union, with von der Leyen advocating for an investment of €500 billion over the next decade to address security concerns, particularly in light of fears surrounding reduced American support under Trump and a potential shift in US commitment to Ukraine.
Economy and ecology
Economic policy is another key focus as the EU seeks to strengthen its competitiveness against both the US and China.
Trade relationships will be subject to scrutiny, particularly given Trump’s threat of imposing tariffs on EU goods.
Slovakia’s Maros Sefcovic will handle trade strategies, while France’s Stéphane Sejourné will tackle industrial strategy amid challenges such as rising energy costs and competition from Chinese manufacturers.
On the environment, Teresa Ribera from Spain will lead the charge on competition and green transition policies, working closely with Sejourné to balance the EU’s growth ambitions in tandem with climate goals, especially as the continent aims towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future by 2030.
Trade and industry
Since the beginning of her first mandate, von der Leyen's leadership style has shifted perceptions of the EU Commission, by strengthening its operational capacity and focus.
She has weeded out commissioners she didn't see eye to eye with – such as France's Thierry Breton – and benefited from a political alignment that has seen countries fill her new team with fellow conservatives.
Her first term began in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, when she advocated for joint initiatives like vaccine procurement and strategic energy independence from Russia.
Considering the current economic climate, the European Commission must also address challenges such as low productivity and weak investment, especially as the bloc looks to implement a "clean industrial deal" which aims to decarbonise the economy while ensuring energy security and independence.
Furthermore, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and fostering research and innovation in sectors like Artificial Intelligence will be crucial to revitalising European industries.
One immediate bone of contention is the proposed trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc, which has sparked backlash from French farmers who are up in arms over competition from lower-priced imports.
The EU is looking to finalise the pact with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay during a summit in Montevideo next month.
But France is frantically trying to find allies to derail plans to create the world's biggest free trade zone.
Von der Leyen plans to push forward with a vision for sustainable agriculture and food systems, in a bid to balance free trade with local agricultural interests.
Security and migration
Since the onset of the Ukraine war, boosting military capacities has also become a pressing concern.
The addition of a dedicated defence commissioner in Kubilius highlights the EU's commitment to a coordinated, common defence strategy.
However, as the EU consolidates its military resources, calls for a unified funding scheme – similar to its Covid pandemic recovery fund – remain contentious among member states.
Addressing the European Parliament ahead of the vote to confirm the members of her second Commission.this Wednesday, von der Leyen stated: "Our freedom and sovereignty depend more than ever on our economic strength. Our security depends on our ability to compete, innovate and produce".
Finally, immigration policy is especially pertinent in light of the new far-right political shift across Europe following July's elections.
While irregular crossings have decreased by around 43 percent this year, the EU is charged with revisiting asylum legislation and tackle strategies for managing migration effectively.
In October, EU leaders called for urgent new legislation to increase and speed up migrant returns and for the commission to explore "new ways" to counter irregular migration.
Von der Leyen has promised to work swiftly to put a proposal on the table, even though the bloc adopted a long-negotiated reform of its asylum policies only a few months ago.
