Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola re-elected as Presidents of European Commission and European Parliament respectively
Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola have been re-elected as the President of the European Commission and President of the European Parliament respectively during the inaugural plenary session of the European Parliament.
Elected with a larger majority than in 2019, Ursula von der Leyen published her political guidelines for the next European Commission which show a balancing act between the priorities she discussed with MEPs over the past few weeks. Whereas there is a clear focus on competitiveness and security, she weaved in priorities related to democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights as well as green and social issues. Implementation of existing policy is also placed at the forefront.
Philea is particularly pleased to read: “we will also step up our engagement with civil society organisations that have expertise and an important role to play in defending specific societal issues and upholding human rights. We must ensure civil society is better protected in its work.” The guidelines also state that “Strengthening the rule of law will be our daily work and duty.”
Philea also warmly welcomes the reference to better using the budget to leverage further private financing; the appetite to further engage in public-private partnerships to lead on innovation; the emphasis on the need for social fairness in the modern economy and to continue working towards a just transition for all; the introduction of a Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness; and the commitment towards independent media and journalism.
As a next step, President von der Leyen will together with the Council appoint the Commissioners-designate. The European Parliament will then scrutinise the Commissioners-designate in public hearings after the summer.
Philea is preparing with its membership, as well as with key stakeholders in the wider civil society and social economy, to put forward questions pertaining to the enabling environment for philanthropy.
Image credit: European Union, 2024
Contact
