The far-right faction Patriots for Europe brings another motion of no confidence against the EU executive to the Parliament. The initiators cite the trade agreement between the EU and the South American bloc Mercosur, signed last week, as the main reason for the vote. Higly unlikely to get through, the voting will take place on 22 January.
The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has already survived three no confidence votes in 2025, one in July and two in October. While only a few days have passed since the new year began, another motion of censure is already under preparation. The official reason for this is that the Commission has concluded an agreement with Mercosur that would allegedly “destroy the Europe’s agriculture.”
Loudest voices come from Italy, France
The letter announcing the attempt to bring down the Commission is signed by MEPs Jordan Bardella (PfE/FRA), Kinga Gál (PfE/HUN), and Anders Vistisen (PfE/DNK). Mr Bardella is chief of Patriots for Europe Group. The letter reads, among other things that “the EU-Mercosur agreement is contrary to the interests of the EU and its citizens as it imperils a wide range of agriculture sectors” and that “Commission fails to address the fundamental concerns of European farmers and agricultural cooperatives.”
Commission fails to address the fundamental concerns of European farmers and agricultural cooperatives. – Letter by Patriots for Europe calling for motion of censure
According to behind-the-scenes information, Matteo Salvini, a former MEP and current leader of Italy’s anti-immigration Lega party, played a significant informal role in the negotiations on the possibility of expressing no confidence in the Commission.
Ironically, the agreement with Mercosur passed by a narrow margin, with Italy’s vote proving decisive. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ultimately supported the agreement in exchange for European farmers receiving more money in the coming years. Agricultural goods imported from South America to Europe will also be subject to stricter controls.
Salvini is Meloni’s ally in Italian politics and her vice president, but elections are approaching. It cannot be ruled out that Salvini’s pressure is related to internal political struggles within Italy.
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One tenth of MEPs is enough
According to Article 131 of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, at least one tenth of MEPs is required to table a motion of censure against the European Commission. Patriots of Europe has 84 MEP, enough to spark such a vote (Parliament has 720 seats).
However, it is highly unlikely that the proposers will succeed in their attempt to bring down the Commission. Not even if members of the Europe of Sovereign Nations faction and some other individuals were to join the Patriots. To be adopted, the motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the component members of Parliament.
