PAN maintains dialogue with the newly elected European Commission

Brussels, 28 November 2019 - The European Parliament approved today the composition of the new European Commission, led by president Ursula Von der Leyen, with the votes in favour of the EPP, the S&D, Liberals and the majority of the ECR. Greens/EFA, as well as the MEP Francisco Guerreiro, abstained as a sign of openness for future negotiations in the institutional framework between the Parliament and the European Commission.

Since President Ursula Von der Leyen’s goals presentation, European Greens have made efforts to positively influence the composition of the list of new Commissioners as well as the Commission's programmatic goals.

“We don't write blank checks, but we keep the door open to negotiate with the new Commission,” says Francisco Guerreiro, the PAN MEP.

The prioritization of the presentation of the European Green Deal by the European Commission is a victory for the European Greens who, since the 1980s, have been warning of the need to build an economic and social model based on the sensible and responsible management of common resources. However, the proposal by the Greens to reduce 65% of greenhouse gases by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 was not accepted by the new Commission, demonstrating a lack of climate ambition.

In parallel, there are portfolios that need improvement and that demonstrate the importance of European Greens being directly involved in future negotiations between Parliament, the Council and the European Commission. Namely, the reversal of the announced cuts in the Cohesion Funds, the revision of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the implementation of a just economic and social transition with the European Green Deal.

"Cohesion policies, the CAP, the CFP and the European Green Deal will be central subjects on debate in the coming months, so the Greens will try to condition these portfolios both positively and structurally," comments the MEP.

PAN will also ensure that the Commission reviews and improves regulations and legislation on the welfare and protection of animals, something that was overlooked in the debate on the priorities of this new commission. 

It should be noted that this is the first time that the Commission is led by a woman, with a college of Commissioners close to parity, which demonstrates President Ursula Von der Leyen's commitment to gender equality issues.

Share this post