The new European Commission of Ursula von der Leyen received the final approval from the European Parliament, allowing the executive to take office on 1 December and kick-start the five-year legislative cycle.

The proposed team obtained 370 votes in favour, 282 against and 36 abstentions from lawmakers in Strasbourg, representing nearly 54% of all votes cast, the slimmest majority in history for a new Commission.

In her introduction speech, von der Leyen promised a Commission head-on focused on reviving the EU"s stagnant economy, boosting competitiveness, cutting red tape, unlocking investment and closing the innovation gap with the US and China. Support for Ukraine, defence, migration management, enlargement, climate action, budget reform, the rule of law will also be among her team"s top priorities, set to be shaped by the bloc"s gradual shift to the right.

"Our fight for freedom may look different to generations past. But the stakes are just as high. These freedoms will not come for free. It will mean making difficult choices. It will mean massive investment in our security and prosperity. And above all, it will mean staying united and true to our values”, - von der Leyen told lawmakers.