The European Parliament has approved the composition of the renewed European Commission, which will start its work on December 1
The European Parliament approved the new composition of the European Commission, which will begin work on December 1. It was proposed by the head of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen, about what informs DW. 370 deputies voted for the adoption of the decision, while 282 voted against it.
The European Commission includes 26 European Commissioners, including the former Prime Minister of Estonia Kaia Kallas, who will take the position of the EU’s chief diplomat, replacing Josep Borrell. Callas, known as a consistent ally of Ukraine, supports a tough policy towards Russia. Her candidacy was supported by EU leaders back in July this year.
One of the most controversial appointments in the new composition of the European Commission is Raffaele Fitto, a representative of the far-right political group “European Conservatives and Reformists”. He became the vice-president of the European Commission and at the same time the commissioner for regional financing and reforms. This is the first time that a far-right politician has held such a high position in the EU’s executive body, which has drawn considerable criticism.
Teresa Ribera, the former Minister of Environmental Transformation of Spain, has been appointed European Commissioner for Climate and Competition. Her actions during the large-scale flooding in Valencia have previously been heavily criticized.
Other key appointments include Stéphane Séjournay from France, who will become commissioner for industrial policy. He is considered a close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron. He will replace Thierry Breton, who left the post due to a conflict with von der Leyen.
Lithuanian politician Andryus Kubilius has been appointed as the Commissioner for Defense. He plans to work with Kaya Callas to develop a strategic document on security and defense in his first 100 days in office.
