Political deal on approval of new European Commission in Parliament

Three parties in the European Parliament have reached a political agreement that should pave the way for the approval of the new European Commission, according to close sources.

The European People's Party, the Socialists and Democrats and the Renew Europe group are said to have reached an agreement on the appointment of Commission president Ursula von der Leyen's new European executive team.

The appointment had been in limbo since the three groups clashed last week over the evaluation of the six vice-president candidates. In particular, the Spanish socialist Teresa Ribera and the far-right Italian Rafaele Fitto faced opposition. 

Green light for vice-presidents

On Wednesday, however, the three group leaders agreed to call off the fight and give the green light to the six vice-presidents. At 19.00, the chairmen and group coordinators of the parliamentary committees concerned will meet to review the assessments. 

If the committees reach a positive conclusion, the Parliament could vote on the whole Commission in plenary next week. The Commission could then take office on 1 December for a five-year term. 

Hungary's Oliver Varhelyi, the commissioner-designate for health and animal welfare, is also still to be vetted. He risks having to give up his powers in the area of sexual and reproductive rights. 

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