Von der Leyen Commission II: A strong Renew Europe team of decision makers, ready to fight Draghi’s "slow agony"

Renew Europe takes note of the provisional vision and structure outlined today for the von der Leyen Commission II. Our strong five Commissioner candidates will fight for our priorities, liberty, prosperity, security by relying on influential portfolios. All candidates will be scrutinized very thoroughly and Renew Europe will be uncompromising on skills and competence, on the implementation of the guidelines of President von der Leyen and respect of values enshrined in EU treaties. The implementation of the Draghi report is at the heart of what we wish to achieve. Our group welcomes the European Commission President’s open support for the Slovenian candidate and calls on Janez Janša to stop blocking Europe against his own camp.

Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:

"The Renew Europe candidates are a strong team of high-level decision makers and will form a key pillar of the second von der Leyen Commission, based on our priorities of a more free, prosperous and secure Europe, making the EU a strong and better place to live in. From industrial and economic renewal to strong foreign policy and the defense of democracy, we have a team ready to implement our agenda of a Europe of excellence at all levels. Renew Europe candidates have support and trust from all EU institutions, and a powerful parliamentary heritage."

Last week, Renew Europe MEPs met in Ostend and agreed their guiding principles for the forthcoming hearings and the policy agenda of the incoming Commission.

Commenting on the forthcoming hearings and the political direction of the new Commission, Valérie Hayer said:

"We want an ambitious and bold European Commission with a determination to avoid the ‘slow agony’ forecast by Mario Draghi. Europe must become a champion again; for freedoms, for increased prosperity and to deliver security in a changing world. We call on fellow pro-Europeans in the Parliament to unite and secure a European Commission worthy of European renewal, according to the common understanding of the platform. A Europe of excellence cannot be delivered by populists on the extreme left or extreme right."