Strasbourg: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen successfully survived a censure vote in the European Parliament on Wednesday. The motion, tabled in the parliament headquartered in Strasbourg, France, was rejected by a majority of lawmakers, with 360 voting against it and 175 in favor.
According to Qatar News Agency, following the vote, which she did not attend, von der Leyen wrote on her X account: "In a moment of global volatility and unpredictability, the EU needs strength, vision, and the capacity to act." She further emphasized the need for unity, stating, "As external forces seek to destabilize and divide us, it is our duty to respond in line with our values."
Earlier this week, von der Leyen had criticized the motion in a speech to the European Parliament, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to divide Europe. She urged lawmakers to renew their confidence in the Commission, highlighting the importance of solidarity amid several challenges, including trade negotiations with the United States and the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia.