European Parliament rejects fourth motion of censure of Von der Leyen European Commission
The European Parliament voted on January 22 to reject a motion of no confidence in Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission, the fourth such motion in seven months.
To be approved, at least 361 MEPs in the 720-seat House would have to have voted in favour.
A total of 565 MEPs voted, 390 against and 165 for.
The motion, which had been widely expected to fail, was tabled by Jordan Bardella of the far-right Patriots for Europe group on the grounds of the EU – Mercosur agreement.
Von der Leyen was not present in the European Parliament for the vote, instead attending the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The EU and Mercosur signed on January 17 a Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and an Interim Trade Agreement (iTA).
The EMPA will be subject to ratification by all EU member states, following their national procedures.
At the same time, the ITA will follow EU-only ratification process as it falls under EU exclusive competences. This will require the consent of the European Parliament and the adoption of a decision on the conclusion by the Council of the EU after which it will enter into force.
The European Parliament voted on January 21 to request the European Court of Justice to assess whether the EU-Mercosur agreement is in conformity with the EU treaties.
