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As she faces a fresh wave of no-confidence votes on Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is adapting her strategy to win over critics. By becoming more receptive and engaging in dialogue, she aims to gather broader support from various political factions in the European Parliament.
This shift in approach was evident during the preparations for the upcoming votes, where her willingness to listen and collaborate has reportedly begun to yield positive reactions from her opponents across the aisle.
Emphasizing dialogue and collaboration
Valérie Hayer, the leader of the liberal group Renew Europe, noted that von der Leyen has recently demonstrated a stronger commitment to consultation and collaboration.
She stated, “The president has shown a greater willingness to engage, which is a step in the right direction that should have been taken much earlier.” This sentiment reflects a growing acknowledgment of von der Leyen’s efforts to reconnect with lawmakers.
To secure the necessary votes on Thursday, von der Leyen will rely on support from Hayer’s liberal faction, the European People’s Party (EPP), and the Socialists and Democrats. These centrist groups have historically backed her, having supported her reelection, which commenced on December 1.
Previous challenges faced
This marks the second instance in three months that von der Leyen is confronted with such a vote of no confidence. Dissatisfaction has arisen among these groups regarding recent decisions, particularly in trade policy, the upcoming seven-year EU budget, and her inclination to relax regulations, which some perceive as a retreat from environmental commitments.
Despite the situation, analysts do not anticipate her removal from office. The motions of no confidence have been initiated by far-left and far-right factions, whose combined support lacks the numbers necessary to dethrone her. Notably, her team has opted not to request a forecast on the voting outcomes from the Commission’s services, a contrast to their approach in July.
Shift from confrontational to cooperative
The importance of securing votes cannot be overstated, as von der Leyen will need centrist support to advance her agenda in the coming months. This marks a notable change from her earlier, more combative style that may have alienated potential allies.
Her new three-pronged strategy indicates a more conciliatory tone, focusing on dialogue rather than confrontation. Sources within the Commission and the European Parliament have highlighted this shift, emphasizing the need for cooperation.
Key developments leading up to the votes
The transformation began prior to her State of the Union address in September, when von der Leyen’s cabinet pushed for a long-stalled revision of the framework agreement governing the Commission and Parliament’s collaborative efforts. This agreement, although modest in its outcomes, was politically significant for both institutions, allowing von der Leyen to address criticisms regarding her perceived lack of transparency with lawmakers.
Since then, she has made several noteworthy gestures. In her State of the Union speech, she acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, signaling her readiness to listen to the concerns of socialist, green, and leftist MEPs. Furthermore, she subtly referred to the Green Deal, a critical initiative that had been sidelined during the last European election campaign.
These overtures were directed at lawmakers who felt their concerns had been overlooked for too long, showcasing her commitment to rebuilding trust.
Building bridges and fostering communication
In recent months, interactions between von der Leyen’s team and the leaders of the EPP, Socialists, and Liberals have intensified as they prepare for the Commission’s annual work program for 2026. This document outlines the legislative priorities for the EU and serves as a platform for centrist parties to establish a unified agenda.
Such collaboration is essential for von der Leyen as it enhances her ability to rally support among MEPs for forthcoming legislative proposals. On the day of the no-confidence vote, while von der Leyen will be attending the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, her team will be engaged in critical discussions with various political groups in Strasbourg.
With a packed schedule of meetings with political factions, the aim is to discuss the Commission’s work program, as these negotiations may pave the way for political victories that can influence the outcome of the vote.
Although some officials downplay the notion of making last-minute concessions, they confirm that ongoing communication is vital for shaping the work program. This level of interaction is standard practice each year as the Commission seeks to align its objectives with parliamentary expectations.
In a notable shift from her previous rhetoric, von der Leyen admitted during a parliamentary debate that some lawmakers were still undecided on how to vote. She reaffirmed her commitment to engaging with them in any necessary format to collaboratively find solutions. This change in tone and her acknowledgment of legitimate concerns regarding various issues reflect her evolving strategy.
