Commission led by Von der Leyen confronts motion of no-confidence in European Parliament
The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, is set to face a no-confidence vote next week, initiated by far-right Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperea. The motion, scheduled for July 10, 2025, comes in response to allegations of insufficient transparency regarding von der Leyen's text message exchanges with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during the COVID-19 pandemic, and claims of EU interference in Romania's presidential election.
The controversy, often dubbed "Pfizergate," has led to complaints from anti-vaccine groups and media seeking access to these communications, raising questions about potential improper influence and accountability. Piperea, the motion's initiator, has also accused the European Commission under von der Leyen of interfering in Romania's presidential election, which saw nationalist candidate George Simion lose to the pro-European Nicusor Dan.
The no-confidence vote marks the first time in over a decade that a Commission president has faced such a challenge. However, the chances of von der Leyen losing the vote are considered slim. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), her own political group, has distanced itself from the motion, emphasizing it as not their initiative. For the motion to pass, it requires an absolute majority of at least 361 out of 720 votes in the European Parliament.
The vote follows a debate scheduled for July 7, 2025, in Strasbourg, where von der Leyen will have to defend her leadership and address the allegations before the plenary vote three days later. If the motion were to pass, the European Commission, including its president and all 26 EU commissioners, would be required to resign.
Personal contact between von der Leyen and Bourla was key to securing the EU's multibillion-euro vaccine deal during the crisis. The event highlights ongoing scrutiny of EU governance and transparency, particularly related to the pandemic's crisis management. Despite the symbolic weight of this motion, it is unlikely to unseat von der Leyen at this time.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Reason for No-Confidence | Alleged lack of transparency over Pfizer CEO message exchanges during COVID-19 vaccine deals; alleged EU interference in Romanian election | | Initiator | Gheorghe Piperea, far-right Romanian MEP | | Vote Date | July 10, 2025 | | Debate Date | July 7, 2025 | | Likelihood of Success | Slim; major political groups including ECR do not support the motion | | Required Votes | Absolute majority (361 of 720 seats) |
This event underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in EU governance, particularly during times of crisis. The outcome of this no-confidence vote will have significant implications for the European Commission and its leadership.
The no-confidence vote regarding Ursula von der Leyen's leadership, scheduled for July 10, 2025, in the European Parliament, stems from allegations of insufficient transparency in her policy-and-legislation dealings with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during the COVID-19 pandemic and claims of EU interference in Romania's presidential election. The controversy, also known as "Pfizergate," has sparked debates about politics and general news within Europe.
