The Second von der Leyen European Commission is Elected
27/11/2024
The Second von der Leyen European Commission is
Elected
We finally
have a new European Commission. The narrow majority by which it was elected is
certainly not a good omen for the future of a European Union that is already
experiencing alarming internal fragilities.
Assessments
of the electoral outcome in the European Parliament evidently depend on various
perspectives. However, I believe it is not out of place to suggest that, in
order to satisfy the ambitions of national governments, a weak European
government has emerged.
We are facing
enormous present and future challenges that would require a strong and
determined European Union, but unfortunately, as of today, it is difficult to
see these prerequisites.
At a time
when there is an urgent need for strong multilateralism capable of countering
nationalist tendencies and external threats to the European Union, the unity of
the Union itself is being called into question.
In the face
of the urgency for a common European defense, it is evident that there is no
strong and responsible convergence on such a plan. The recent meetings of the
foreign ministers of the four main EU countries, together with the British
colleague in Warsaw, and the defense ministers of the same states meeting in
Berlin, send a clear message: the only remaining hope is to follow the path of
enhanced cooperation as provided for by Article 20 of the Treaty on the
European Union. Certainly, it will be better than nothing; but what a sadness.
The more
than likely—if not certain—position of the new President of the United States,
Donald Trump, to prefer bilateral relations even with EU member states rather
than engaging directly with Brussels, is certainly not encouraging. Along this
line, we will find further efforts from Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to
increase divisions—if not destruction—within the Union. The club of those who
dislike the European Union also includes China.
As for the
interdependent triangle of the United States, China, and the European Union, we
will have some elements for reflection during the video conference on Tuesday,
December 3, at 5:00 p.m. (Brussels time), organized by the European
Economic Senate:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87121571309.
From
reading leading newspapers of various European countries regarding the election
of the new European Commission, one often notices an emphasis on what the
Commission can do in the interest of individual countries. Personally, I would
have preferred to see more comments referring to what the new Commission can do
for the general interest, as it is called to act under the European treaties.
In pursuing the general interest for everyone, including national states, they
can also achieve their own legitimate interests.
Faced with
this panorama, we must certainly not be discouraged, but rather redouble our
efforts to support our great European project.
In
any case, we extend our best wishes for successful work to the entire European
Commission as a College and to all its individual members, starting with
President von der Leyen.
Paolo Magagnotti