After a week of intense negotiations, the European Parliament has given the green light for Teresa Ribera to assume the role of Executive Vice President and Competition Commissioner in the European Commission. With this appointment, Ribera is currently the only Spanish representative in the European Commission.
This position is particularly important for Spain, as it ensures a significant level of influence over key European policies. Furthermore, it provides a platform for the country to actively contribute to shaping competition regulations across the EU. It also represents a strategic victory, reinforcing Spain’s presence in the European executive at a crucial moment for economic and regulatory cohesion within the Union.
Attempt to veto Ribera by EPP
The appointment also includes the Italian Rafaelle Fitto, from Giorgia Meloni’s government. He will serve as Vice President of Cohesion and Reforms. Despite an attempt to veto the nomination as Vice President of Ribera by the Spanish wing of the European People’s Party (EPP), Ribera secured approval late on Thursday evening after key parliamentary groups agreed to a truce. The centre-right EPP, which initially prolonged the vote for an entire week, ultimately could not block Ribera’s nomination.
Ribera’s support in Parliament was confirmed despite resistance from within the Spanish delegation, which opposed her candidacy. Manfred Weber, leader of the EPP in the European Parliament, sought guarantees that Ribera would step down if prosecuted for her role in managing DANA emergency projects. However, he pointed to existing conduct codes for commissioners, which will apply to her as well.
What is PP’s criticism of Ribera?
Critics, particularly from the People’s Party (PP), accused her of a delayed response and inadequate communication during the crisis. They alleged that her ministry failed to provide timely warnings and support to regional authorities, potentially exacerbating the disaster’s impact. These criticisms led to calls for her resignation and demands for accountability
The final deal also involved a series of non-binding annexes. These acknowledge the EPP’s position that Ribera should resign if found guilty regarding her handling of the DANA crisis. These annexes, however, have no legal standing.
Tensions resolved with vague commitments
To remove the crossed vetoes among the groups, socialists and liberals demanded a written commitment from the EPP that they would cooperate in the Parliament throughout the legislative period. The EPP was unwilling to include any explicit statements restricting their ability to ally with other right-wing forces, such as Meloni’s or Orbán’s parties. As a result, the agreement uses vague, non-binding language, affirming their intention to work together to strengthen the European Union based on shared values.
Vote trading between left- and right-wing parties
Despite the disagreements of the last week, all parties eventually lifted their vetoes, allowing the European People’s Party to support Ribera’s nomination. In return, the socialists and liberals voted in favour of the candidates from Meloni’s and Viktor Orbán’s parties. This arrangement has, however, stripped the far-right candidate of some of their previously held responsibilities, such as oversight of reproductive rights.
PP continues to oppose Ribera
Despite this outcome, the Spanish People’s Party (PP) maintains its stance against Ribera. Dolors Montserrat, spokesperson for the PP in the European Parliament, stated, “Ribera came to Brussels aiming to be Vice President and the number two of the European Commission, but she ended up begging for support from Meloni and Orbán just to become a commissioner. Our principles remain intact: Ribera has not received and will never receive our support. She must resign if she becomes subject to any judicial investigation.” The Spanish government has since dismissed these claims, noting that the supposed commitment to resign was merely an observation without legal force.
Ribera, speaking to the press, stressed the importance of patience and prudence until official decisions are announced. She also commented, “Great to have a chance to exchange with the MEPs of the European Parliament on the challenges for Europe in the time to come. Thanks for a lively discussion.
Great to have a chance to exchange with the MEPs of @EuParlament on the challenges for Europe in the time to come.
Txs for a lively discussion. pic.twitter.com/YAd2UNGUpC— Teresa Ribera 🌹 (@Teresaribera) November 12, 2024
The European Parliament will convene next week in Strasbourg to finalise the approval of the new European Commission. For Ribera, this represents a victory over her critics and a renewed opportunity to contribute to the European project, albeit under the lingering shadow of political division.
Who is Teresa Ribera?
Teresa Ribera is a Spanish politician and environmental expert, currently serving as the Minister for the Ecological Transition in Spain. She studied law at the Complutense University of Madrid and has been part of the Spanish Government since 2018 when she was appointed Minister for the Ecological Transition. Known for her commitment to climate action and sustainable energy policies, Ribera has been a key figure in promoting renewable energy and environmental reform within Spain and at the European level. Before her political career, she worked in various public administration roles related to environmental policy, making her a well-respected voice on climate issues both nationally and internationally.
Teresa Ribera will be succeeded by Sara Agenesen, an experienced technocrat and the current State Secretary for Energy.