By Véran Bérard-Quélin, Editorial Assistant
Last month’s European Parliamentary elections (May 22nd-25th) have triggered changes at the top of the European Union’s governing institutions, including the Presidency of the European Commission, the Presidency of the European Council, as well as the Presidency of the European Parliament.Key steps and dates in this process:
June
FORMATION OF POLITICAL GROUPS
The month of June is devoted to the reformation of political groups within the European Parliament. Elected representatives will form coalitions, based on political leanings, (not respective nationality of Members.) A political group in the Parliament must have at least 25 deputies and represent at least 7 different EU member states.
New representation in political groups in order of seats won:
- European People’s Party (EPP) -- 214 seats
- Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) -- 191 seats
- Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) -- 64 seats
- Greens/European Free Alliance -- 52 seats
- European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) -- 46 seats
- Confederal Group of the European United Left – Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) -- 45 seats
- Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group (EFD) (includes Great Britain’s UKIP) -- 38 seats
Others not yet affiliated:
- National Front (France) -- 24 seats
- Five Star Movement (Italy) -- 17 seats
- Alternative for Germany (Germany) -- 7 seats
- Other Parties -- 53 seats
June 26th – 27th
MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
First order of business will be to reach agreement on the new President of the European Commission. The successful candidate must garner the backing of a qualified majority (55% of the vote in the Council and at the same time represent 65% of the European electorate).
According to Article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon (2009), The European Council chooses the President of the Commission by “taking into account the latest elections to the European Parliament.” [Parliament contends that this language requires the Council to select from the so-called “Spitzenkandidaten” (the term used to describe top of party ticket candidates), but some Council members have rejected this reading].
Once agreement is reached, the selected candidate is then officially proposed to the European Parliament for confirmation.
July 1st
ELECTION OF THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
During the inaugural session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on July 1, the 751 members will elect a new president, 14 vice-presidents and 5 parliamentary administrators.
July 7th – 10th
CONSTITUTION OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
The 20 permanent committees will elect their presidents and vice-presidents. A parliamentary committee is a group of parliamentarians in charge of particular portfolios (i.e. Committee on Foreign Affairs) and the examination of legislative proposals.
July 15th
ELECTION OF THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE COMMISSION
The European Parliament will vote to confirm the proposed candidate for the presidency of the European Commission. A simple majority of at least 376 votes will be required.
The dominant candidate by virtue of representing the EPP, which won the most seats in the May elections, is Jean-Claude Juncker, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1995-2013) and former President of the EuroGroup.
September - October
HEARINGS & COMFIRMATION OF THE COMMISSIONERS
The European Commission is composed of the College of Commissioners of 28 members, including the President. The European Council appoints the 27 commissioners-designate in agreement with the elected Commission President. Each commissioner, one from each EU country, is assigned responsibility for a specific policy area by the Commission President.
The Commission as a whole is subject to the European Parliament's approval.
The European Parliament will hold confirmation hearings and vote on each nominee.
Terms of previous commissioners expire Oct. 31, and new commissioners officially take office Nov. 1 or later, once they are confirmed by Parliament.