Sunday, 21 July 2024

Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected for Five More Years as European Commission President

Ursula von der Leyen secured 401 out of 720 votes from Members of the European Parliament, surpassing the 361 needed for re-election.
Von der Leyen will lead the European Commission for another five years, promising to defend democracy, increase military spending, and uphold climate targets.
While backed by key political groups, including the EPP and the Greens, she faced opposition from far-right factions and some MEPs from Italy’s Brothers of Italy party.
Leaders like Germany's Olaf Scholz and France's Emmanuel Macron praised her re-election, highlighting her role in strengthening Europe during challenging times.

Macron Faces Political Turmoil: Key Updates

President Macron accepted Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's resignation after a parliamentary election defeat but requested he and his ministers continue as a caretaker government.
The victorious left-wing alliance remains unable to agree on a candidate to replace Attal, with infighting between France Unbowed and the Socialists complicating matters.
The Socialists, Greens, and Communists proposed former diplomat Laurence Tubiana as a prime ministerial candidate, but France Unbowed rejected her.
Macron urged all political parties, except the far-right National Rally and radical left France Unbowed, to collaborate and form a stable government amidst ongoing political deadlock.

Iran's president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian aims to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and improve relations with European nations despite previous issues.
Pezeshkian accuses Europe of failing to mitigate US sanctions post-2018, yet remains hopeful for "constructive dialogue."
The European Union expresses readiness to engage with Pezeshkian’s government, aligning with their policy of critical engagement.
Pezeshkian, considered a reformist and a former health minister, won the election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised European unity in supporting Ukraine and tackling illegal migration during the European Political Community summit.
Starmer aimed to rebuild relationships with European leaders, distancing himself from previous UK policies, and proposing enhanced defense and security cooperation.
The summit committed to actions against Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers violating sanctions, with NATO planning better-coordinated military support for Ukraine.
Starmer announced new funding and increased UK presence in Europol to combat illegal migration, emphasizing practical solutions in line with international law.

NATO allies label China a "decisive enabler" of Russia’s war against Ukraine, marking a significant rebuke.
The communiqué highlights concerns over China's nuclear arsenal and space capabilities, positioning China as a central focus for NATO.
NATO urges China to stop its material and political support for Russia, emphasizing China's responsibility as a UN Security Council member.
China condemns NATO's increasing involvement in the Asia-Pacific, while NATO plans to strengthen partnerships in the region, signaling rising global tensions.

The European Court of Justice fined Hungary 200 million euros ($216 million) and an additional 1 million euros per day for not complying with EU asylum laws.
Hungary deliberately avoided implementing the EU's common asylum policy, despite a 2020 ruling from the court.
Hungary's hard-line policies included building border fences and transit zones, which have since closed, and forcing asylum seekers to apply from embassies in neighboring countries.
The European Commission, monitoring member states' adherence to EU laws, pursued further action against Hungary for its persistent non-compliance.

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