Brussels: The von der Leyen Commission II officially took office, marking the beginning of its 2024-2029 term. This commencement follows the European Parliament’s recent endorsement of the new College of Commissioners and the mandate proposed by the President in September 2024. During her speech before the plenary last week, President von der Leyen outlined the priorities and ambitions for the European Commission for the next five years, reflecting her Political Guidelines from July and considering the European Parliament’s November hearings with the Commissioners-designate. The new College comprises five Executive Vice-Presidents and 20 Commissioners, organized by portfolio, Member State, and political priority, along with the Vice-President/High-Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union. President von der Leyen stated, “Now I will gather my team as of Monday. And we will get to work,” during a press conference following the vote.
According to Cyprus News Agency, public support for the euro a
nd the Recovery and Resilience Facility remains robust. The European Commission’s latest Eurobarometer survey reveals that 79% of respondents view the euro positively for the EU, while 71% see it as beneficial for their own country. Additionally, 68% support the Recovery and Resilience Facility, provided it promotes green, digital, and social investments and reforms. The survey also indicates that 61% of respondents favor abolishing 1- and 2-euro cent coins, with majorities in all but three euro area Member States. Conducted between 7 and 15 October 2024, the survey involved interviews with over 18,600 respondents from 20 euro area Member States.
In another development, the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has entered a joint procurement framework contract with Gilead for the supply of 2,250,000 Veklury (Remdesivir) vials. This antiviral treatment is designated for COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen or those at risk of severe illness. The contract
, lasting up to three years, is the third of its kind, succeeding the previous contract that expired in January 2024. Joint procurement allows countries to collectively procure medical countermeasures, enhancing EU-level preparedness for public health crises. HERA continues to collaborate with participating countries to identify and prioritize joint procurement needs.