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Fiala: The Commission must focus on prosperity, competitiveness, and security

by AI | 27.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The Commission must focus primarily on prosperity, on increasing the competitiveness of companies where we are losing to other regions, and on the security of citizens, said the Prime Minister.

European Parliament vote on the new European Commission

Prague – The European Commission must focus on prosperity, increasing the competitiveness of companies and security, said Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) on the X network after today’s approval of the new commission led by Ursula von der Leyen by the European Parliament. The Prime Minister added that he is very pleased with the strong portfolio of international partnerships, which will be overseen by former Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela (STAN).

370 Members of the European Parliament voted for the new Commission, 282 were against, and 36 abstained. To approve, a simple majority, i.e., more than half of all valid votes cast, which totaled 688, was required. The Commission has 27 members, including the President and six Vice-Presidents. It can take up its duties from December 1.

Fiala congratulated von der Leyen and appreciated the strong portfolio under Síkela’s leadership. “The Commission must focus primarily on prosperity, on increasing the competitiveness of companies, where we are losing to other regions, and on citizen security. I believe we will be successful in pushing our proposals to reassess parts of the Green Deal and improve the fight against illegal migration,” added the Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non-party) appreciated that the European Parliament approved the new commission including Síkela. “His portfolio for international partnership is crucial in today’s time of geopolitical competition, when we need to gain support for EU policies worldwide,” he wrote on the X network.

According to von der Leyen‘s morning speech, the goal of the new commission will be to remove business barriers among the 27 member states, so that the business environment in the EU more closely resembles conditions in the USA. The new commission will also aim to reduce bureaucratic burdens, streamline the union budget, and ensure its greater flexibility. In response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, the commission seeks to contribute to increasing defense spending. It intends to meet set climate goals without, however, undermining the competitiveness of European companies. (November 27)