EU's von der Leyen survives parliament confidence vote
BRUSSELS : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament today, tabled by mainly far-right lawmakers who alleged she and her team undermined trust in the EU through unlawful actions.
As expected, the motion failed to get the two-thirds majority it needed to pass.
Only 175 members of parliament backed the motion, while 360 voted against and 18 abstained.
Romanian nationalist Gheorghe Piperea, the lead sponsor of the motion, had criticised, among other things, the commission's refusal to disclose text messages between von der Leyen and the chief executive of vaccine maker Pfizer during the Covid-19 pandemic.
'The decision-making has become opaque and discretionary, and raises fears of abuse and corruption.
'The cost of obsessive bureaucracy of the EU, such as (tackling) climate change, has been a huge one,' Piperea told the parliament on Monday.
During the debate on her leadership, von der Leyen defended her record in parliament, rejecting criticism of her management of the pandemic and asserting that her approach ensured equal vaccine access across the EU.
Although the censure motion had little chance of success, it was a political headache for von der Leyen as her commission negotiates with US President Donald Trump's administration to try to prevent steep US tariffs on EU goods.
It was the first time since 2014 that a commission president has faced such a motion.
Then president Jean-Claude Juncker also survived the vote.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Bursa Malaysia slightly firmer at midday on interest in certain heavyweights
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia ended the morning trading session marginally higher, driven by buying interest in selected heavyweight stocks, particularly in the construction and industrial products and services sectors. At 12.30pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.46 points or 0.29 per cent to 1,538.22, from Friday's close of 1,533.76. The benchmark index opened 4.29 points firmer at 1,538.05 and moved between 1,531.28 to 1,539.38 throughout the session. However, the broader market sentiment was slightly negative, with losers outpacing gainers 416 to 396, while 459 counters were unchanged, 1,238 untraded and 44 suspended. Turnover stood at 1.78 billion units worth RM992 million. Malacca Securities said sentiment on Wall Street has improved following recent progress in de-escalating the US-EU trade war, particularly with the new trade deal capping tariffs at 15 per cent. "We believe the positive sentiment may spillover towards stock on the local front, tracking Wall Street's rally. "Given Tenaga Nadiobal Bhd's capital expenditure rollout stretching until year-end and data centre packages expected to be announced over the next two in the second half of 2025," the firm added. Although the recent overnight policy rate cut may directly impact the net interest margin, Malacca Securities said the banking sector commands undemanding valuations. It said the sector is currently trading at an undemanding 10 times price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which is notably below its 10-year historical average of 12.2 times. Meanwhile, real estate investment trusts remain attractive given their premium yields over government-backed securities.
Malay Mail
2 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
CHiQ Champions Inclusion and Innovation as Presenting Partner of the German Wheelchair Tennis Open
Empowering ESG Leadership Through Technology Infused with Human Warmth BERLIN, GERMANY - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 July 2025 - CHiQ, a leading global brand in consumer electronics and smart home appliances, honourably announced its official sponsorship of the 2025 German Wheelchair Tennis Open. Partnering with the German Tennis Federation (DTB), CHiQ is taking a bold step forward through the power of human-centric technology to elevate inclusion, excellence, and social impact in sports. Beyond sponsorship, CHiQ showcases its dedication to public welfare and ESG principles, inclusivity, equality, and at the esteemed SCC Berlin tennis club from July 23 to 27, 2025. The German Wheelchair Tennis Open stands as Germany's premier tournament in the sport. As a pivotal event on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, it will host over 100 elite athletes, including several top-10 global contenders and national champions, competing across singles and doubles in men's, women's, and quad categories, all vying for the covetedCHiQ's involvement, anchored by the slogan "," extends beyond brand visibility in Germany and across Europe, highlighting its steadfast commitment to ESG leadership by blending intelligent technology with authentic community empowerment, demonstrating how innovation can inspire impact across inclusivity, sustainability, and social wellbeing."The partnership with CHiQ marks a significant leap for wheelchair tennis in Germany," remarked. "Together, we are amplifying the voice of extraordinary disabled athletes, advocating inclusion, and promoting access to barrier-free sport.", added,Since entering the European market, CHiQ has embraced a youthful and tech-savvy lifestyle with user-centric innovation at its core. Viewing ESG as a vital extension of brand value, this sponsorship unfolds a new chapter for CHiQ, driven by technology, guided by responsibility, and rooted in everyday #CHiQ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CHiQ CHiQ, a brand under the Changhong Group, one of the world's leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics and household appliances, is redefining industry standards with innovative products, intelligent technologies, and a deepening commitment to corporate social responsibility. Its influence continues to grow across global markets, especially in European Market.
Malaysian Reserve
20 minutes ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Red Gold Canned Tomatoes from Europe: A Symbol of Resilience in Times of Conflict
NAPLES, Italy, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In times of regional instability, such as the recent escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, nations across the Middle East are increasingly concerned about supply chain disruptions and food security. Interestingly, EU and Italian canned tomatoes, a staple in many kitchens worldwide, could play a unique role in these challenging times, not just as a culinary ingredient but as a symbol of resilience and regional cooperation. Italy has long been renowned for its high-quality canned tomatoes, whose export has been constantly increasing across the Middle East. These products are transported through well-established routes, typically moving from Italian ports to major Middle Eastern hubs via maritime shipping, often passing through key transit points such as the Suez Canal. From there, they reach Saudi Arabia, which relies heavily on imported food products. In the context of escalating tensions, these transportation routes could face interruptions, raising concerns over food shortages. However, Italy's logistics infrastructure, including its deep-sea ports and established partnerships with regional distributors, ensures that the supply chain remains resilient. Maintaining these routes—or establishing alternative ones—can help ensure continuous supply, emphasizing the importance of stability in trade infrastructure as well as of consistency in providing stability in food supplies during crises. 'Our promotional campaign Red Gold from Europe, recently launched in Saudi Arabia and co-funded by the European Commission, aims to highlight that Italian canned tomatoes are versatile and economical, making them ideal for regional countries to maintain affordable, nutritious meals even amidst supply chain disruptions and food shortages. Their long shelf life and ease of storage mean they can be stockpiled as part of emergency preparedness plans—an essential strategy in conflict zones' said Giovanni De Angelis, ANICAV's – the Italian Association of Canned Vegetables Industries – Director General. Italian canned tomatoes may seem like a humble commodity but their role in supporting regional resilience during times of conflict underscores how food supply chains are intertwined with geopolitics. Proactive diplomatic efforts and continued trade partnerships can turn these everyday items into symbols of stability and cooperation amid uncertainty. Find out more about this essential ingredient in challenging times on Follow us on: Snapchat: Instagram: YouTube: Photo – Logo – Logo – View original content:
