Italy is demanding a Vice Presidency position in the new EU Commission, as indicated by the results of the recent EU parliamentary elections. Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of having a Vice President with a significant portfolio in the new Commission during an interview with The National newspaper on Sunday. Tajani highlighted the need for stability in Europe and expressed support for the European People’s Party (EPP) as a guarantor of such stability.
Negotiations for the Commission Presidency have begun, with an EPP summit scheduled in Brussels on Monday. The EPP has endorsed Ursula von der Leyen as their candidate for a second term as Commission President. Tajani expressed his desire for a popular, liberal, and conservative majority but acknowledged that attaining such numbers may not be possible. Despite speculation, Tajani believes that Mario Draghi cannot become the new EU Commission President due to his expertise over political experience.
The EPP regained its position as the strongest group in the European Parliament after winning recent elections. However, there are uncertainties regarding whether von der Leyen would secure enough votes if nominated by EU heads of state and government. It is suggested that she may need to rely on votes from other parties like Meloni’s far-right party, Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy), to secure her second term.
In summary, Italy is advocating for a Vice Presidency role in the new EU Commission while emphasizing stability and support for the European People’s Party (EPP). Negotiations have started with an EPP summit scheduled in Brussels on Monday, where Ursula von der Leyen has been endorsed as their candidate for a second term as Commission President. Despite some uncertainties regarding whether she will secure enough votes if nominated by EU heads of state and government, it is believed that she may need to rely on votes from other parties like Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy) to secure her second term.
