European socialists are expressing concern about the composition of the next EU executive under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, fearing that progressive priorities may be sidelined in shaping the EU’s social policy. Leaked reports suggest that the European People’s Party (EPP) may dominate influential portfolios, raising worries among socialists in the Parliament that their voices may not be heard in the new mandate.
The leaked document revealed that key posts, including those related to employment, social affairs, and a newly created housing portfolio, may be given to EPP members. Socialists are pushing for these positions to be assigned to individuals from the “progressive family.”
The socialists are also urging Commissioners overseeing social affairs to commit to the La Hulpe Declaration on the future of social Europe, which sets out a social agenda for 2024-2029. They are closely monitoring gender balance within the new Commission and advocating for parity in the College of Commissioners.
Tensions have risen over the appointment of Italy’s nominee from the far-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party to an executive vice-presidency, with socialists warning that this could alienate their support. The European socialist party (PES), with 189 MEPs, supported von der Leyen in her confirmation vote in July but has stressed that their support is contingent on the new Commission meeting their expectations both in policy and principle.
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