Gender balance an EPP success in von der Leyen's new team

In his first reaction to the presentation of the composition and responsibilities of the new College of Commissioners, Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, stated:

"It is good to see that EPP Commissioners-designate will have important responsibilities that focus on people’s concerns: strengthening and investing in the European economy, promoting free and fair international trade, protecting our European way of life, research, health and innovation, supporting our democracy and the future of next generations.”

Manfred Weber pointed out as a "first major achievement" of Commission President-elect von der Leyen is surely that of a gender-balanced college: "The EPP promised gender equality before the elections, and now we are making good on that promise. The gender balance in the next college is a major achievement and an important signal for the rest of Europe and the world", he said.

On the procedure of the European Parliament hearings to evaluate the competences of the candidates, the EPP Group “will examine the Commissioners-designate, their competences and ability to work for a better Europe without any prejudice. All candidates will get a fair chance.”

“For the next five years, the EPP Group’s priority, and that of a strong team of EPP Commissioners, will be to make sure that Europe is able to deliver in the interests of European citizens. We need to strengthen our economies and our external borders, and better protect citizens in an increasingly unstable world. We will continue to fight for a more democratic Europe and a Europe that is closer to its citizens.”