Today, the European Parliament approved the new composition of the European Commission with 370 votes in favor and 282 against. The renewed European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is set to officially begin its work in December.
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The European Commission consists of 27 members. Former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will serve as Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. She will replace Josep Borrell in this role. Marta Koss will replace Olivér Várhelyi as European Commissioner for Enlargement, while Várhelyi will remain on the Commission as Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare.
Rafael Fito, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, was elected as one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Commission. He is the first far-right politician to hold a key position in the EU executive.
Andrius Kubilius has been appointed EU Defense Commissioner. During his first 100 days in office, he plans to present a strategic document on security and defense in collaboration with Kaia Kallas.
Before the vote, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament. She emphasized that European security will be a priority for the Commission during 2024–2029 and urged the EU to allocate more resources to defense.
“War is raging on Europe's borders. And we must be ready for what lies ahead – working hand-in-hand with NATO. We know that we have to do a lot more together as Europeans. Just one figure. Russia is spending up to 9% of its GDP on defence. Europe is spending on average 1.9%. There is something wrong in this equation. Our defence spending must increase. We need a single market for defence. We need to strengthen the defence industrial base. We need to improve our military mobility. And we need common European projects on defence,” von der Leyen said.
The President of the European Commission emphasized the enlargement of the European Union, specifically mentioning Ukraine and Moldova in this context.
“The dream of Europe extends to the Western Balkans, to Ukraine, to Moldova and beyond.
We have seen the bravery of the people of Ukraine in pursuing their European journey. We have seen the resilience of the people of Moldova to stick to their European future. We have seen the commitment of the Western Balkans to reform, grow and get ready to join our Union. At the same time, we have seen how Russia will stop at nothing to prevent them having a European future. But honourable Members, Europe's commitment to these countries will always be stronger.
Let there be no doubt, we want Ukraine as part of the European Union. So, we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We will get ready with the reforms that we need on our side. And we will support these countries every step of the way on their merits-based process until they are ready to join our Union. Marta Kos – with her vast experience – is the right person for this job.
The vision of a continent united by democracy, the rule of law and respect of fundamental freedoms will always drive our work. Because the people of these countries deserve a future of peace, progress and prosperity. And we will make sure that that future can be in Europe,” von der Leyen noted.
The members of the European Commission will assume their duties on December 1, following their formal appointment by the European Council.
