European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confronts opposition from multiple fronts as she criticizes Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and loses support from Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.
At a glance:
- Von der Leyen condemns Orbán’s recent Moscow visit as an “appeasement mission”
- Italian Prime Minister Meloni votes against von der Leyen’s re-election
- Meloni’s decision could impact Italy’s influence in the EU Commission
- Analysts suggest Meloni’s move may backfire, damaging her European credibility
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has found herself at odds with leaders from both Eastern and Western Europe. In a speech to MEPs, von der Leyen sharply criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent trip to Moscow, while simultaneously facing a surprising rejection from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in her bid for re-election.
Orbán’s Moscow Visit Condemned
Without explicitly naming Orbán, von der Leyen denounced a European prime minister’s recent trip to Moscow as “nothing but an appeasement mission.” She warned that Russia is counting on Europe and the West to soften their stance, and some in Europe are “playing along.” The Commission president reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to standing with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
Meloni’s Unexpected Opposition
In a move that surprised many observers, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voted against von der Leyen’s re-election as Commission president. This decision came despite von der Leyen’s recent tougher stance on immigration and the announcement of a special commissioner for the Mediterranean, positions that were thought to align with Meloni’s priorities.
Carlo Fidanza, head of the Fratelli d’Italia delegation in the European Parliament, cited von der Leyen’s “political platform and the search for consensus from the left to the Greens” as reasons for their opposition.
Potential Consequences for Italy
Political analysts suggest Meloni’s decision could have significant repercussions for Italy’s influence within the EU. Lorenzo Castellani, a professor at LUISS Guido Carli University, warned that Italy is now unlikely to secure a commissioner or vice-president position with strong mandates in the Commission.
Castellani also noted that this move could damage Meloni’s credibility, undermining her efforts over the past year and a half to move away from Euroscepticism and build international legitimacy. By aligning with more radical right-wing parties, Meloni may have reduced her ability to influence Commission decisions, particularly on issues like the Green Deal.
