The members of the European Parliament are deciding on the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as the head of the European Commission through a secret ballot, taking place in Strasbourg.

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, provided clarifications to the MEPs before the voting began.

Despite any potential defections from the governing coalition, von der Leyen is expected to be re-elected, as she has secured positive votes from the Green group, who have given their official support to her.

“As part of the four-party majority, we have secured commitments for the European Green Deal, social justice, and the protection of democracy. We keep the far right away from power. But our work is just beginning. We must put an end to the era of fossil fuels. And we will stand strong to provide protection to those fleeing war. Together, we are ready to build a better Europe,” they wrote on Twitter.

The Greens/EFA Group has formally decided to support Ursula @vonderleyen as @EU_Commission President.

As part of the 4-party majority, we have secured commitments on the #EUGreenDeal, making the EU more socially fair & protecting democracy.

We keep the far-right out of power.

— Greens/EFA in the EU Parliament ? (@GreensEFA) July 18, 2024

She presented the priorities for the next five years

The President of the Commission earlier addressed the College of MEPs, presenting her priorities for the coming years. She pledged that she would put the competitiveness of the European Union’s economy at the heart of a second term in office. At the same time, she promised to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary.

At the same time, she made several references to the rising cost of living, the problem of finding housing, the peasants and the need for transparency, accountability and independence of the media.

Ursula von der Leyen needs 361 votes to be re-elected for a second term.

Parliament will vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination for President of the European Commission this afternoon.

Follow it live online from 1pm CET: https://t.co/yLWTqSMMq0

For more details, visit: https://t.co/pNfItBkCx0 pic.twitter.com/KdHi7Ul9OV

— European Parliament (@Europarl_EN) July 18, 2024