Eurofuel Newsletter #4
Dear readers,
Welcome to this fourth edition of the Eurofuel newsletter. With a busy July behind us, it is time to take stock of what changed at the head of the European institutions so far and anticipate an exciting start of the fall with the hearings of the Commissioners-designate and the plans for the next five years for the new European Commission.
On 18 July, the European Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen for a second mandate as President of the European Commission. She emerged triumphant from the vote, securing a larger majority than five years ago. She walked a thin line trying to please her political family, while trying not to alienate the Socialists and the Greens. She presented her political guidelines for 2024-2029, a document which presage of the work to be undertaken in the next term.
Just before going on recess, Members of the European Parliament also divided themselves into Committees and elected their leadership. This gives us a lot of food for thought over the summer break to better understand the different forces at play, the division of power, and the new key MEPs that will shape new legislation. The Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee in particular, the key committee for our industry, has been strengthened ahead of a term that will be marked by the Clean Industrial Deal, providing a clear signal of priorities and direction of travel.
Happy reading and happy summer to all.
Yours,
Dr Ernst-Moritz Bellingen
Von der Leyen re-elected as European Commission President
On 18 July, Ursula von der Leyen presented her political guidelines, emphasising administrative simplification, economic competitiveness, and investment in clean technologies. She proposed a new Clean Industrial Deal, which aims at decarbonising and bringing down energy prices. This will be done by moving away from fossil fuels, reinforcing joint procurement for fuels, and developing the governance needed for a true Energy Union. Von der Leyen highlighted achievements in renewable energy and committed to new climate targets under the European Green Deal.
Political reactions were mixed, with support from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists and Democrat (S&D), the liberals (Renew), and most Greens, while parties like the Left, the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE), and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) showed discontent. Interestingly ECR did not provide a clear support to VdL while the head of the party, Italian prime minister Meloni, had been in many discussions with the president of the Commission. Von der Leyen responded by acknowledging societal polarization and reaffirming her commitment to defending freedom and unity in diversity.
Following her speech, she was re-elected as European Commission president with 401 votes out of 707, surpassing the required 360-seat majority. Despite some defections within her pro-European alliance, von der Leyen secured additional support from the Greens affirming her support to the Green deal legacy, while her stance on migration and chemical regulations caused some dissent. Overall, von der Leyen’s re-election reflects a complex balancing act between various political factions and policy priorities.
MEPs divide themselves in Committees and elect bureaus
On 15 July, the European Parliament plenary approved the new numerical strength of the Committees. This reflects both the increase in number of MEPs (from 705 to 720), as well as the shifting priorities of the European Union. In particular, the ITRE Committee gained 12 MEPs, bringing it to 90 MEPs, on par with the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee. This is no surprise with more towards European competitiveness starting in her past mandate, and as von der Leyen promised a Clean Industrial Act in her first 100 days.
The ITRE Committee unanimously elected Borys Budka, a Polish center-right lawmaker, and new MEP, as its Chair, which is quite uncommon. Budka, a member of the EPP, has previously served as a national minister and holds a background in academia with research focused on government funding for the energy transition and consumer attitudes towards environmental protection. Notably, his past work has included criticism of greenwashing practices, particularly within the Polish government's response to EU environmental actions. His appointment showcases the rising prominence of the Polish delegation within the EPP, as well as the overall political role of Poland in the EU since Tusk won the elections in 2023.
The Environment (ENVI) Committee chose Antonio Decaro, an Italian socialist and long-time advocate for cycling and sustainable urban development, to lead its work. Decaro has pledged to uphold previous environmental legislation and resist any rollback of the Green Deal. His background includes successful efforts to reduce car use in Bari and promote cycling infrastructure. However, it seems that he could run for the upcoming regional elections in Puglia. In case he would run and be elected, veteran MEP Alessandra Moretti could step in as his replacement. The Italian delegation, with 21 MEPs, is the largest one in S&D which is the reason why an Italian socialist was appointed as chair – while the second largest S&D delegation, from Spain, got the Presidency of the group.
Upcoming priorities for the autumn
After the summer recess, the work will pick up again. The finalisation of the leadership of the new institutional cycle will take up most of the time of Committees, with the hearings of the Commissioners-designate, most like in September/October. This will give a first indication of the political and policy implications for the next five years. The hearings of the Commissioners in charge of the industry, of climate, and of sustainable competitiveness are expected to be sought after by Member States’ governments and to be closely watched by MEPs.
The presentation of the new Clean Industrial Deal, a sort of more industry- and competitiveness-centric successor to the European Green Deal. This will include a package of measures to prepare the way towards the 90% emission reduction target for 2040. The Commission is also likely to adopt a technology-neutral approach, as a wide range of innovative technologies, including in terms of energy, are required to reach the climate neutrality goal of 2050. Definitely, a space to watch, and we will support you in understanding better to what extend the technology-neutral approach will be really implemented.