Following the elections held in the 27 member states of the European Union on June 6-9, the new legislative session of the European Parliament (EP) is officially starting. The EU flag will be raised on the mast of the EP building in Strasbourg in a ceremony to be held under the leadership of the current EP President Roberta Metsola. Following the ceremony to be held in the General Assembly hall, where the current MPs will come together for the last time and receive their service medals, the new General Assembly will hold its first session. In this session, 720 new MPs will elect the new EP President.
Big Day: July 18
The most important day of the European Parliament election week will be July 18. On this day, the European Commission President will be voted on, and the leaders at the EU summit nominated Ursula von der Leyen. Before the vote, von der Leyen will address the MPs and explain her priorities. It remains unclear whether von der Leyen will receive a vote of confidence. In order for von der Leyen to receive a vote of confidence, she needs to receive support from the socialist and liberal groups as well as the Greens. However, if an absolute majority is not reached in the vote, the EU Council will be asked to nominate a new candidate.
Risk of Political Crisis
If a new candidate is chosen, there could be a risk of a political crisis. In that case, EU leaders will start negotiations again and try to propose a new name within a month. However, considering the war in Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to Russia and the uncertainties following the election in France, the EU could be dragged into a political crisis.
Special Session for Ukraine
In the first week of the new legislative session, the EP General Assembly will meet for a session on Ukraine. Following the speeches of the heads of the political groups, the deputies will vote on a draft resolution in support of Ukraine.
