New EU Commission: Diversity of peoples and minorities must be recognized

On 27 November the European Parliament approved the new European Commission with 461 votes in favour, 157 against and 89 abstentions. The newly elected commissioners, led by Ursula Von der Leyen, will take office on 1 December.

The European Free Alliance calls on the new European Commission to recognize the true extent of Europe’s diversity, so that all peoples and minorities can have a say on their own future and in the future of the Union.

In contrast to a European Union that, too often, only represent the interests of its member states, EFA’s vision is based on a Union that accepts and includes all peoples, regions and minorities in the decision-making process.

The EU is currently facing huge environmental, social and political challenges. Nevertheless, a more inclusive, social and green Union can only be achieved by recognizing the true extent of its own diversity, thus reinforcing its democratisation.

In this sense, EFA defends that local and regional governments have a much more active role in the policy-making process, following the principle of subsidiarity, since they are the closest administrations to the citizens.

EFA looks forward to seeing how the new European Commission meets the challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to sustainable development, as well as the democratisation of the EU and giving a voice to all peoples, stateless nations and regions.

It is a positive sign that, for the first time, the European executive will have a female President and a gender-balanced college of commissioners, and has also made the climate emergency a priority.

Now it is time for words and gestures to translate into concrete action.