During the plenary session in November II 2019, Ursula von der Leyen,&nbsp;President-elect of the EC, presents her team and programme. Parliament voted the entire list of candidates proposed by the President-elect and the Council by simple majority in a roll call vote. The college of Commissioners and their programme is approved. Results of the vote: 461 in favour, 157 against and 89 abstentions.

Parliament’s Conference of Presidents declared the Commissioner-designate hearings process complete on Thursday 21 November 2019.

The new European Commission officially takes up its duties on 1 December 2019.

Election of the 2019-2024 Commission

On 2 July 2019, Ursula von der Leyen was nominated by the European Council for the Presidency of the European Commission.

If confirmed by the European Parliament, she will be the first woman and the first German since Walter Hallstein to hold the office.

She is a German politician, serving as Minister of Defence since 2013 and is a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Ursula von der Leyen

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).

Appointment of the President of the European Commission

Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission, will deliver her first State of the European Union Address on 16 September 2020.

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers his State of the European Union Address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. The President also sets out how the European Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing. The speech is followed by a plenary debate.

State of the European Union 2020

EP President Roberta Metsola meets Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa

EU Leaders meet in Budapest for an informal European Council meeting. Competitiveness is on top of the agenda and is discussed in depth during an informal meeting of Heads of State or Government on 8 November 2024, which is expected to result in a ‘Budapest Declaration’.

Informal European Council in Budapest

Parliament to vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for Commission President

If elected by MEPs on Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen is set to return to the office of European Commission President for the next five years.

At 09.00 on Thursday, she will take the floor in Parliament’s plenary session and outline her vision and plans as Commission President, followed by a debate with MEPs.

The vote by secret paper ballot will take place at 13.00, following the debate. 

Background
Article 14 of the Treaty of the European Union provides that the EP “shall elect the President of the Commission.” In practice, based on Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (rule 128), the candidate proposed by the European Council has to present their political guidelines to Parliament, followed by a debate. Parliament then elects the President of the Commission by a majority of its component MEPs - i.e. 361, in a Parliament of 720 Members. If the candidate does not obtain the required majority, the President will invite the European Council to put forward another within one month, for election in accordance with the same procedure.

Ms von der Leyen has been Commission President since 2019 and was the EPP’s lead candidate in the 6 - 9 June European elections.

Election of the President of the European Commission

EP Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025

Conference of Presidents on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework

EP Plenary session - Motion of censure on the Commission B10-0319/2025

Europe day - 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration Luxembourg with Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European

EP Plenary session - European Council meetings and European Security

EP Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024

Strasbourg's Plenary session through the lens . Week 4

Pre- summit EPP

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ursula Von Der LEYEN, EC President and Antonio COSTA, President of the European Council.

EP and EC joint press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission following the Parliament’s vote on the College of Commissioners

New College of Commissioners family photo.

EP Plenary session - Voting session - Election of the College of Commissioners

EP Plenary session - Presentation by the Commission President elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency

Press conference on the suggested structure and portfolios of the college of Commissioners

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents in presence of Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission on the confirmation hearings process

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Press conference - Election of the President of the European Commission

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. Opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focused on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: extracts from the debate

On 8 July 2025, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, participated in the Conference of Presidents (CoP) on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This video shows extracts of the arrivals to the round table.

Conference of Presidents (CoP) with the participation of Ursula von der LEYEN, European Commission President on MFF: arrivals and roundtable

In a second debate with Council and Commission, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July and which will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - EU-China Relations: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

In a debate with Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, MEPs outline their expectations for the upcoming EU-China summit, set to take place in China in July and which will mark 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. They also discuss how to tackle China’s critical raw materials export restrictions. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of addressing China's export restrictions on critical raw materials, highlighting the need for a strategic and unified EU approach to ensure economic resilience and sustainability. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed concerns over the potential economic and geopolitical implications of these restrictions, urging the Commission to take decisive action to protect EU interests.This news item shows extracts from President von der Leyen, Minister Bjerre and MEPs interventions during the debate.

EU-China Relations: extracts from the debate

MEPs hold a debate on the motion of censure against the European Commission. According to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a motion of censure in respect of the Commission may be submitted to the President by one 10th of the component Members of Parliament, i.e. 72 MEPs. . To be adopted, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component Members of Parliament. Opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Motion of Censure on the Commission: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

A motion of censure against the European Commission, requiring support from at least 72 MEPs, has been filed, prompting a plenary debate. President Metsola confirmed the motion's admissibility and notified group leaders. For the motion to pass, it needs a two-thirds majority of votes cast, representing most MEPs. During the debate, Ursula von der Leyen defended her leadership, emphasizing the Commission's achievements and addressing transparency allegations. She urged MEPs to vote against the motion to ensure continuity and stability for Europe's future. This news item shows extracts from the motion of censure on the Commission, including cutaways during the session.

Motion of Censure on the Commission: extracts from the debate

Exterior and interior shots of the EP during the plenary session (07-10/07) in Strasbourg.

EP Plenary session (07-10/07): editing shots

European People's Party (EPP) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06) at the Sofitel, Brussels Hotel.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, attended the inaugural mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The solemn ceremony, held at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, marked the official beginning of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. At the end of the ceremony Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission meet with Pope Leo XIV.

Inaugural mass of His Holiness Pope LEO XIV: extracts from the the participation of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania). This news item contains extracts from the arrival, the doorstep, family photo, and roundtable. Albania hosts the sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Tirana, convening 47 Heads of State or Government alongside the Heads of key European and international institutions. This is the first time the EPC leaders meets in the Western Balkans to discuss security challenges and a shared vision for the future of Europe.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the meeting of the European Political Community, in Tirana (Albania): extracts from the arrival, doorstep, family photo and roundtable

Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, make a statement to the press to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, in front of his birthplace house in Luxembourg. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman put forward a proposal to establish the European Coal and Steel Community, a move that became the cornerstone of modern European integration.

Press statement by Luc FRIEDEN, Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, President of the European Council and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission - 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gathered at Robert Schuman’s birthplace. The program featured a tour of the Schuman House, signing of the guestbook, the unveiling of a commemorative stamp and an official photo. They conclude the day with a visit to the former ECSC headquarters. On May 9, 1950, Robert Schuman unveiled an initiative to establish the European Coal and Steel Community. This step marked the beginning of the European integration.

Europe day - 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration with Luc FRIEDEN, Roberta METSOLA, António COSTA, and Ursula von der LEYEN: extracts from the visit to the birthplace house of Robert Schuman and a a visit to the former ECSC headquarters

MEPs discuss with the Council and the Commission how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate focus on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law. MEPs underline the importance of long-term commitment to Ukraine and the need for international coordination in building a lasting peace.

EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine: opening statement by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

MEPs discuss with the President of the Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, and Council's representatives how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate focuses on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law. In particular, the plenary debate is centered on the plan presented by the Commission, which paves the way to ensure the EU's energy independence from Russia.

EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine: extracts from the debate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President is in Rome with António COSTA, European Council President and Ursula von der LEYEN European Commission President to attend the funeral ceremony of His Holiness Pope Francis. He died at the age of 88 on 21 April 2025.

Funeral ceremony of His Holiness Pope Francis: Attendance of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, António COSTA, European Council President and Ursula von der LEYEN European Commission President

MEPs evaluate the outcome of the 20 March European Council in a plenary debate with Presidents António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, the EU’s heads of state or government focused on how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, how to strengthen the EU’s security and defence capabilities, how to respond to the situation in the Middle East but also ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness and discussed migration and multilateralism. Opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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