Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Commission said in Brussels that President Ursula von der Leyen will meet today, Monday, with Ms. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament; and will receive Mr. Manfred Weber, Ms. Iratex García Pérez and Ms. Valerie Heyer, Chairs of the European People's Party, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and the Renew Europe groups in the European Parliament.
Tomorrow, President Ursula von der Leyen will receive Ms. Terry Reintke and Mr. Bas Eickhout, Co-Chairs of the Greens/European Freedom Alliance group in the European Parliament. These consultations by President Ursula von der Leyen come before she participates in the European Parliament's general debate on the new College of Commissioners and its programme, scheduled for next Wednesday.
On September 17, 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed the new composition of the European Commission team during a press conference held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The formation follows tough negotiations with member states, where a careful balance was made between the interests of the member states and their party affiliations, with the aim of leading the strongest institutions of the European Union over the next five years.

The announcement comes amid major challenges facing the European Union, ranging from economic issues to environmental issues and foreign policy, reflecting the crucial role that the Commission will play in steering Europe’s future. The new Commission is pursuing a comprehensive agenda that focuses on promoting prosperity, security and democracy, developing technological sovereignty, and advancing the circular, carbon-free economy, while ensuring a just and inclusive transition for all.

In terms of gender representation, the new Commission team includes 11 women, compared to 16 men, representing 40 per cent of the members, with six Vice-Presidents also appointed, four of whom are women.