site.btaEuropean Parliament Rejects Motion of No Confidence Against Ursula von der Leyen

On Thursday, the European Parliament rejected a motion of no confidence against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which had been proposed by the Patriots for Europe group. Of the 378 European MPs who participated in the vote, 179 voted in favour, 378 voted against, and 37 abstained. For the motion to succeed, a two-thirds majority was required.

The motion of no confidence was based on the grounds of misguided green policies and policies in the areas of competitiveness, the economy and migration.

The Patriots for Europe group also pointed out violations of the requirement for transparency in decision-making and the EC exceeding its powers, and criticized the Commission for concluding trade agreements with Mercosur and the US.

In September, the European Commission presented the agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur (comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) for ratification by EU member states. Negotiations between the European Union and Mercosur concluded in December 2024, after more than 25 years.

In July, Washington and Brussels reached a trade agreement that will impose a 15% tariff on European goods exported to the United States, including pharmaceuticals and automobiles. The European Union has also agreed to purchase energy from the United States worth USD 750 billion, as well as make additional investments in the US totalling USD 600 billion over three years.

During Monday's debate on the motion of no confidence against von der Leyen, which was tabled by Patriots for Europe, the group's leader, Jordan Bardella, sharply criticised the EC president, saying she was leading Europe "nowhere".

According to Bardella, von der Leyen is responsible for excessive EU regulations and cuts to agricultural subsidies. He also criticized the trade agreements with Mercosur and the United States, labelling the deal with Donald Trump a "trade capitulation".