The European Parliament should bring down the von der Leyen Commission

Christine Schneider, a member of the largest group in the European Parliament, the EPP, has reportedly claimed that the European Commission, particularly the Commissioner for the Environment, Frans Timmermans, had acted flagrantly beyond their powers in pushing for the adoption of their proposed restoration regulation. This was because the Department of Environment had sent a lobbying document listing means of influence for individuals and companies to persuade MEPs to vote in favor of the proposed regulation.

According to Schneider, the Commission had realized that their proposal was not receiving favorable support, so "they sought to influence Members of Parliament" through lobbyists. And, of course, this is not in line with the division of powers among EU institutions.

Among these institutions, the European Council, informally known as the EU summit, is formally the highest. It consists of the heads of state or government of the European Union (EU) member states and the President of the Commission. Its task is to provide the necessary impetus for the development of the EU and define general political guidelines. It is the highest political body of the EU and meets four times a year to outline key political directions and develop actions.

The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the member states and is the EU's main decision-making body. It legislates together with the Parliament, approves the budget in collaboration with the Parliament, is primarily responsible for the Union's foreign and security policy, and convenes in ten different configurations depending on the matter at hand.

Each meeting is attended by one minister from each member country, depending on the topic being discussed. However, in voting, ministers from different member states have different numbers of votes at their disposal, with larger states having more votes and smaller states having fewer votes.

The Commission, in turn, consists of around 30 commissioners who are selected after the EU elections and must be approved by the Parliament. One commissioner is chosen from each member state, and their task is to represent the interests of the entire Union.

For this purpose, the Commission has the power of initiative and implementation in the Union. It monitors the use of funds, ensures compliance with EU laws, and keeps the entire Union running with the help of commissioners and officials. Member states select their own commissioners, whose term lasts for five years, and decisions are made through majority voting.

Then there is the European Parliament, which theoretically represents EU citizens and is elected every 5 years through elections. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) work as part of European political parties and, together with the Council of Ministers, legislate.

However, the Parliament does not have the power of initiative, but it has the power to dismiss the Commission.

In this sense, the Timmermans´ actions highlighted by Schneider are indeed highly undemocratic and contrary to the power structures of the EU. Therefore, I believe that in this situation, the European Parliament should act decisively and not only reject the preliminary proposal but also bring down the entire Commission, which has proven to be rotten under Ursula von der Leyen's leadership.

This measure would restore the division of powers within the EU's agreed-upon framework and, at the same time, increase citizens' trust in the Union as a whole.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Daniel Freund demanded a ban to Viktor Orbán 
The European Commission appears unreliable as a decision-maker to the Finns
Fair policy will build a strong Union