A motion of censure against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission was decisively defeated in the European Parliament on Thursday. The no-confidence vote saw 175 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in favor, 360 against, and 18 abstentions.
The votes in favor fell well short of the two-thirds majority required for the motion to pass, allowing von der Leyen and her Commission to remain in office. However, the outcome highlights growing tensions within the Parliament and raises questions about the level of support for her agenda moving forward.
Von der Leyen was not present in the hemicycle during the vote but has emerged from the challenge intact—at least for now. The Socialists and Democrats group played a key role in securing the Commission’s survival by negotiating a commitment related to the upcoming long-term EU budget. This promise will be tested next week when the Commission unveils its proposal.
The motion received backing primarily from right-wing groups including Patriots for Europe, Europe of Sovereign Nations, many members of the European Conservatives and Reformists, as well as some delegates from the Left.
Our reporters continue to monitor reactions across Strasbourg and Europe as the political developments unfold.
