Belgian MEPs divided over European Commission deal

Belgian members of the European Parliament are split on a deal among the EU’s main factions regarding the composition of the new European Commission. The agreement, reached after intense negotiations, resolves disputes over key appointments but raises concerns about far-right influence in European politics.

Ursula von der Leyen has taken a step closer to securing her second term as president of the European Commission. On Wednesday, the three major pro-European factions - EPP, S&D, and Renew Europe - struck a deal to finalise the Commission’s composition. A confidence vote on 1 December in the European Parliament will determine whether the new Commission can move forward, but contentious appointments have sparked division among Belgian MEPs.

The agreement allows controversial figures to take leadership roles, including Raffaele Fitto of Italy’s far-right Fratelli d’Italia and Hungary’s Oliver Varhelyi, whose portfolio was scaled back following criticism. Spanish socialist Teresa Ribera also secured a prominent position after the EPP dropped its objections.

Division persists

Belgian MEPs Wouter Beke (Christian Democratic CD&V) and Hilde Vautmans (liberal Open Vld) have already voiced their support for the deal, while Kathleen Van Brempt (socialist Vooruit) remains undecided, and Sara Matthieu (Groen/Greens) opposes it outright.

Beke highlighted the importance of the agreement, saying: “Pro-European parties, which stand for the rule of law and support Ukraine, form the basis for a strong industrial policy, enhanced defence and security, effective migration management, and a social welfare state.”

Vautmans welcomed the end of political wrangling and called for swift action on Europe’s pressing issues. “It’s as if not everyone realises Europe faces existential challenges: economically squeezed between the US and China, rising gas prices due to the war in Ukraine, and Chinese ships cutting our internet cables”, she said.

”Von der Leyen received the benefit of the doubt from us, but structural cooperation with the far-right is unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Van Brempt remains cautious, still analysing the agreement before deciding how she will vote. Matthieu, however, condemned the inclusion of Fitto: “Von der Leyen received the benefit of the doubt from us, but structural cooperation with the far-right is unacceptable. The appointment of a neo-fascist like Fitto as vice-president is disgraceful - he does not share European values and freedoms and disregards a strong rule of law.”

​^{Ursula von der Leyen © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}