New European Commission gets approval

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) - The Strasbourg plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday confirmed the investiture of the new European Commission led by President Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen and the 26 commissioners from each EU member will take office on Dec. 1, now approved by the European Parliament’s confirmatory vote.

The parliament's 461 members voted in favor of the new College of Commissioner, while 157 disapproved and 89 abstained from the vote.

Earlier in the day, Von der Leyen outlined the new European Commission’s priorities in front of the Strasbourg plenary session of the European Parliament.

"Strong partners make the EU strong," she said referring to the foreign policy of the EU which is ahead of a new beginning.

She also confirmed that the EU aims to be the shaper of a better global order and champion of multilateralism.

The president promised that the bloc will "invest in alliances and coalitions to advance our values" because "countries from the East to West, from South to North need Europe to be a true partner".

On EU enlargement, Von der Leyen sent a message to the Western Balkan countries by reaffirming that they share the same continent, history, culture, and destiny.

"Our doors remain open," she said.

She called Josep Borrel, commissioner responsible for foreign affairs and security policy, an "experienced diplomat," and reassured that Borrel in team with Oliver Varhelyi -- in charge of enlargement and neighborhood -- and Janez Lenarcic -- tasked with crisis management -- "will do an invaluable job together".