THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT’S main political groups have struck a deal to greenlight the new European Commission.

There was broad support in July for a second Ursula von der Leyen term at President of the Commission but two proposed Commissioners threatened to shake the agreement and prolong debates further.

MEPs in the European Parliament must first vote in favour of a new President and later must approve their proposed team, in full. But the politicians voiced uncertainty over a controversial Italian commissioner and a meandering Spanish commissioner.

Centre and left groups were unhappy that Italy’s Raffaele Fitto of the hard-right Brothers of Italy party, was handed a vice presidency despite his political affiliation. His European political group did not support von der Leyen’s bid for a second term either.

Separately, MEPs accused Spain’s Teresa Ribera of mishandling the deadly floods in the Valencia region as she is the local government minister. The politicians said her handling of the crisis put her proposed environment portfolio into question.

But leaders of the main three political groups in the Parliament last night struck a deal to back von der Leyen’s proposed European Commission. MEPs will vote in favour of the current make up on 27 November, clearing the way for a December start.

It is one the longest periods the EU has taken to get up and running.

A joint statement from all three major political groups – enough to ensure the European Commission can be approved of – confirmed that an agreement was reached.

Despite the breakthrough, frustrations are still simmering among some on the left unhappy with Fitto’s role – and some defections during next week’s vote can not be ruled out – although the outcome was in little doubt with the main forces on board.

Michael McGrath was designated the Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law portfolio. MEPs approved of his appointment earlier this month after a very positive meeting.

Ensuring a swift handover at the EU’s helm is seen as critical as the bloc grapples with complex challenges – from wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, to the economic threat from China and now the imminent return of Donald Trump to the White House.

Each of the EU’s 27 states gets to nominate one member to serve on the commission, the EU’s top executive body and one of the world’s most formidable regulators.

Contains reporting from © AFP 2024