https://youtu.be/w2F9GC2WRm4?si=OzBeP-k3tEjfoNa1
The event “Challenges Facing the New European Parliament” took place on Tuesday, August 20, at ORT’s Pocitos Campus.
On this occasion, Ana Gomes, a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2019, reflected on relationship between the new European Parliament and the European Union’s executive branch.
Gomes joined the Portuguese Foreign Service in 1980. He served at the Portuguese Mission to the United Nations, both in Geneva and New York, as well as at the embassies in Tokyo and London.
She served as Portugal's ambassador to Jakarta, Indonesia. She worked in the foreign service until 2003, when she entered party politics.
Re-election to the European Commission
One of the topics discussed was the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission. On July 18, von der Leyen, backed by the European People’s Party (EPP), secured the support of 401 of the 720 MEPs, which will allow her to continue leading the Commission for the next five years.
The conference focused on the challenges facing the new Parliament in its relationship with the Commission, particularly in a context where building consensus is essential for the future of the European Union.
Europe in the Global Context
“I believe Europe is very important to the world,” Gomes remarked during his speech, in which he reviewed the continent’s history, the creation of its main institutions, and the crucial role of the European Parliament.
Regarding the current situation, he added: “The European Parliament is currently in recess. August is when children are out of school and everyone goes on vacation. When it reconvenes in September, the hearings for the commissioners will begin.”
At this point, Ursula von der Leyen will receive the names nominated by each government and select her College of Commissioners from among them: each country must nominate one man and one woman in order to ensure gender balance.
“The auditions will be very rigorous. That’s why the commissioners (both men and women) will have to be highly qualified and have a spotless record; otherwise, they won’t make the cut. This will be the next step.”
The work of Parliament depends heavily on interaction with each commissioner. It also depends, of course, on each committee. Much depends on the commissioner’s ability to work effectively with Parliament.
Finally, he noted that the European Parliament’s political influence is decisive. “It is the top of the pyramid for the European Union.”
“Despite all its contradictions, it serves as a beacon for those who strive for human rights, dignity, and democracy around the world.”
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Bachelor's Degree in International Studies