The European Parliament has confirmed the new European Commission composition on November 27, 2024, with Ursula von der Leyen set to lead for another five years. The vote passed with 370 in favor, 282 against, and **38 abstentions.
Ahead of the vote, von der Leyen presented the Commission’s priorities for her second term, emphasizing efforts to strengthen Europe, enhance security, invest in defense, and continue work on reducing environmental pollution, digitalization, and boosting economic competitiveness globally.
The 26 proposed commissioners, who had all undergone hearings and received approval in parliamentary committees, were confirmed without any rejections for the first time in 25 years. The vote followed an agreement between the major political groups: the European People’s Party (EPP), Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Liberals, despite some dissenting votes within those factions.
Key figures in the new Commission include Marta Kos from Slovenia, who will oversee EU enlargement, and Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Both have committed to advancing EU enlargement, with particular focus on the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, all of which have been acknowledged by von der Leyen as rightful EU members.
The new Commission will have 14 members from the EPP, 5 from the Liberals, and 4 from the S&D. For the first time, the far-right will have two commissioners. Additionally, Maros Sefcovic from Slovakia remains independent following a rift between his party and the S&D group over Russia.
With the vote finalized, the new Commission’s five-year term begins on December 1, 2024, and will last until 2029. The same day, Antonio Costa will begin his mandate as the new President of the European Council.
