Von der Leyen ‘wounded’ despite surviving EU confidence vote
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence motion in the European Parliament on 10 July, with only 175 MEPs in support, compared to 360 against and 18 abstaining. However, the outcome revealed significant fractures across centrist parties and raised fresh political challenges for her second term. Here are five core impacts:
1. Eroding core support
Fewer votes in her favour compared to her original mandate – 360 versus 370 last November – indicate less enthusiasm from her own parties; over 160 MEPs didn’t vote, including from S&D, Renew Europe, and Greens, signalling a fragile coalition.
2. Italian EPP split
Within the EPP, Italy’s Brothers of Italy neither backed nor opposed her, reflecting growing tensions and signalling Giorgia Meloni’s wavering loyalty.
3. Greens’ frustration
Greens/EFA mostly opposed the motion, yet many abstained in protest at diluted climate policy and stricter migration measures, a sign of eroding trust.
4. Far-right emboldened
Far-right groups called the vote a moral victory, with Gheorghe Piperea declaring, “175 votes … is a very good proportion,” and threats of fresh motions post-summer.
5. Budget pressure intensifies
Key MEP groups secured verbal assurances on maintaining the future European Social Fund in return for votes. However, looming next‑term budget talks will likely spark conflict over defence versus cohesion funding.
🔁 Reactions:
- European reaction (centre-left): While many in the Socialist & Democrat group backed von der Leyen to maintain institutional stability, several MEPs have warned that trust is waning, especially over her handling of climate, transparency, and Hungary’s democratic backsliding.
- UK reaction: The UK government remained neutral but signalled continued engagement with the EU Commission on security, trade, and migration. Diplomats note quiet relief in Whitehall that leadership remains stable during ongoing talks over migration and Ukraine.
- Opposition reaction (Green-left and far-right): Greens abstained in protest at her climate concessions and toughened migration stance, while right-wing parties declared moral victory, arguing that the 175 votes against von der Leyen reflect a growing rejection of the “Brussels elite”.
📰 Media bias & framing:
- Euronews/Guardian/Reuters/AP focus on political dynamics and cross-party divisions beyond far-right critique (euronews, The Guardian).
- FT highlights the motion’s ripple into budget negotiations and rising EU bloc strains (Financial Times).
- El País, Dagens Nyheter, Welt note transparency and governance concerns—Pfizergate, election interference, climate rollback—driving intra-coalition unease (El País).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. Although converted into a technical win, von der Leyen emerges politically battered, with shaken confidence among allies. Her authority could be seriously tested in upcoming budget debates and climate policy decisions.
