The European Parliament elects the President of the European Commission. First opportunity is the July II session (15-18 July).

After the elections, one of the first tasks of an incoming Parliament is to elect a new President of the European Commission (the EU’s executive body). Member States have already nominated a candidate for the post: Ursula VON DER LEYEN, former German Federal Minister for Defense.

Moreover, Parliament needs to approve the new President of the Commission by an absolute majority (half of the existing MEPs plus one). If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the Member States need to propose another candidate within a month's time (European Council acting by qualified majority).

Press conference by Martin SCHIRDEWAN (GUE/NGL, DE), acting GUE/NGL Group Leader: press briefing GUE/NGL