Finally, after much political drama, a new Commission should be able to start working in early December. Considering the many crises Europe is facing, leadership is urgently needed. Last week however did not make for a pretty sight nor did it provide for much clarity going forward. The centre-right EPP went to the clash with its supposed primary allies (Socialists, Liberals) to impose Italy’s candidate, from hard-right ECR, as Executive Vice-President of the Commission, threatening to derail the nomination of Teresa Ribeira (S&D), a key player of the future Commission in matters of green transition. 

While the move might have honourable motivations, preserving Italy as a constructive player, it is also a display of strength, preserving EPP’s ability to form alternative majorities on its right in the Parliament. One can only hope that such strength will now be put at the service of key aspects of the Commission's stated goals, as reaffirmed in the platform statement signed between the EPP, S&D and Renew, including a pro-integration approach, the implementation of the Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the search for sustainable agriculture. The long-term future of Europe, and the well-being of its citizens, from today and tomorrow, depend on it. We certainly will not stop advocating for it.

Benoit Willemaers SJ
Secretary for European Affairs