The Party of European Socialists (PES) welcomes the election of the new Commission which has been supported by the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament. As Europe’s largest progressive force, we stand committed to upholding European values, the rule of law, and ensuring that we stick to the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights and of the Green Deal. It is vital that this Commission reaffirms its commitment to the values of the pro-European majority as we face more challenging geopolitical forces in the years to come.
The PES is confident that the pro-European stance of the next commission will be in safe hands with four PES commissioners, including two executive vice-presidents.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“We welcome the Parliament’s decision to approve the new Commission. It comes after a tough negotiation carried out by the S&D Group in the European Parliament. The vote favouring the new European Commission breaks the deadlock and pulls the European Union away from political uncertainty. I would like to congratulate our new PES Commissioners on their roles and look forward to working closely with them throughout this mandate.
Cost of living, the environment, housing, energy security, and European values are all under strain in the age that we are living in. I am therefore reassured that our PES Commissioners have been entrusted by the elected members of the European Parliament to deliver on behalf of Europeans and to start building today a better tomorrow for the new generations.”
President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament Iratxe Garcia said:
“The Social Democrats say yes to this college, because we want to continue to move forward, because we are being responsible, because we are being constructive with our yes, we are thinking of the stability of the EU when we say yes. But we are not giving you a blank check, Ms von der Leyen, Mr Weber.”
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck added:
It is difficult to follow the logic of Mr Weber and the EPP, who recently announced the new “extended” majority. Thanks to their latest manoeuvres, the new Commission ended up with a majority smaller and less coherent on common values than the one for the election of Ursula von der Leyen in July. She should also reflect on this. In our political family, we know who we are and what we stand for. Only based on the majority reached in July progress on climate, rule of law, and social issues can be delivered to the European citizens.”
The PES pledged to follow how the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will keep with the progressive promises in the commission’s agenda and counts on the new progressive commissioners.
As Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera will keep Europe on course to meeting its environmental commitments and has the vision to lead Europe towards a clean, just and prosperous future. She will ensure that a European Green Deal with a red heart is delivered through world-leading innovations while keeping the European industry competitive in the global marketplace.
As Executive Vice-President for Quality jobs and social rights, education, skills and preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu will build upon the work of her successor, Nicolas Schmit, in creating a fairer and more prosperous Europe. We are confident that Mînzatu will ensure that Europe elevates people, boosts skills and guarantees preparedness.
Across Europe, our citizens continue to face real challenges with the cost of living, as energy and housing remain two of the biggest concerns for Europeans. As Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen will secure clean and affordable energy and ensure adequate housing for all. He will spearhead revolutionary initiatives such as an energy union and the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan.
Taking the helm of Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, Glenn Micallef will ensure that the younger generations of Europeans have their voices heard, and we see that he is eager to deliver. Enhancing social well-being is a priority of our political family, and we are reassured that Glenn Micallef has been entrusted to deliver upon this.
The progressive Commissioners have our full support.
