Ursula von der Leyen re-elected as European Commission President

Photo: Dati Bendo Ursula von der Leyen talar

On 18 July, the European Parliament re-elected Ursula von der Leyen for a second mandate as President of the European Commission. The Swedish Forest Industries Federation appreciates the President’s emphasis on boosting the EU's competitiveness alongside a continued dedication to ambitious environmental and climate goals.

"The Swedish Forest Industries welcomes the President’s call to have high environmental and climate targets together with an equal focus on strengthening EUs competitiveness and its industrial base. The forest industries have a decisive role to play in both areas and we aim at growing the Union’s bioeconomy to contribute considerably", says Viveka Beckeman, Director General of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation (SFIF).

On 18 July, the European Parliament re-elected Ursula von der Leyen for a second mandate as President of the European Commission. When the European Parliament’s 720 MEPs voted in a secret ballot, von der Leyen got 401 votes, well above the absolute majority of 361 she required to be elected. 

Prior to the vote, von der Leyen presented her political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029. In it she emphasizes that the EU must stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal. von der Leyen also stresses the need to make business easier and faster - reducing administrative burdens and simplifying implementation.  

“We support von der Leyen´s promise to keep dialogues on implementation of legislation align with realities on the ground. The Swedish Forest Industries encourage the Commission to look at the implementation of the EUDR, which requires more time and needs to be proportionate and cost-efficient", says Viveka Beckeman.

Earlier this year SFIF launched it´s input to the EU's 2024 – 2029 Agenda - A greener, stronger EU - which highlights areas in which the sector can contribute. SFIF is determined that a climate neutral, resilient and competitive EU, based on a circular biobased economy sourced from sustainably managed forests, is the best route forward. 

Next steps ahead 
The Commission President will now send official letters to the Member States governments inviting them to nominee their candidates for the Commission. Hearings of the nominees in Parliament’s competent committees are scheduled to take place during the fall. The full college of Commissioners then needs to be elected by Parliament, most likely in its 21-24 October session. The new Commission should be in place by November 1st.