Conference of President’s statement

The May 2019 European Parliament elections open a new chapter for Europe’s political and democratic cycle. The significantly increased turnout across Europe proves that European democracy is alive. European voters gave the newly elected European Parliament a fresh and strong mandate for the next five years. As the only directly elected institution of the European Union, the European Parliament is resolutely the legitimate place for the mandate for change to be debated and defined.

Based on the results of the European elections, the political groups in the European Parliament will hold a strategic, transparent and democratic debate to prepare a mandate for the next European Commission. The outcome of this internal debate will serve as a basis for the dialogue towards the European Council. The mandate for change and the strategic agenda of the European Council could be consolidated to form a solid base for the renewed priorities of the European Commission.

Declaration Number 11 related to Art 17.6 and 17.7 TEU states that “the European Parliament and European Council are jointly responsible for the smooth running of the process leading to the election of the President of the European Commission. Prior to the decision of the European Council, representatives of the European Parliament and of the European Council will thus conduct the necessary consultations (…).

The European Parliament commits to the strengthening of the European democracy. Therefore we recall the EP resolutions Bresso-Brok, González Pons, Verhofstadt, Jáuregui, reconfirming our resolve for the lead candidate process so that the next Commission President has made her/his program and personality known prior to the elections, and engaged in a European-wide campaign.

For more information

• Access to complete news

• Improving the functioning of the European Union building on the potential of the Lisbon Treaty 
• Press release: Parliament sets out its vision for the future of Europe