9th November 2024 – 15th November 2024
LOCAL NEWS
No news reported.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Political stand-off delays approval of new commissioners in European Parliament
The confirmation process for the European Commission has descended into a political deadlock, exposing fractures in the parliamentary coalition that supported Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment as President of the EU executive in July. Despite expectations that the hearings for the 26 commissioners-designate would conclude this week, party rivalries and strategic vetoes have indefinitely delayed decisions on six vice-presidents (VPs) and one commissioner.
The intense scrutiny of the six VP-designates during the hearing of the 12th of November revealed deeper rifts between party factions. The European People’s Party (EPP) clashed with the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe, and the Greens over the composition of the new Commission, turning the hearings into a battleground for political leverage.
The resulting gridlock threatens to delay the Commission’s planned start in December, although von der Leyen remains optimistic about the timeline. An attempt by the Commission President to mediate between the EPP, S&D, and Renew leaders failed to break the deadlock.
Meanwhile, certain commissioners-designate have been targeted in respect of elements of their portfolios with a view to weakening them. For instance, the liberal faction is pushing to transfer oversight of health preparedness and reproductive rights from controversial Hungarian Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi - whose confirmation is also on hold - to the Belgian liberal commission candidate Hadja Lahbib.
National interests have also come into play; Spain’s EPP delegation has criticised Ribera’s response to recent floods in Valencia, diverting attention from Valencia's governor Carlos Mazon, a fellow conservative who has attracted criticism for the long lunch he attended during the deluge.
The coming weeks will be critical as party leaders navigate complex negotiations to secure approvals and preserve the EU’s institutional credibility.
Related Articles:
Euronews 15/11 - Parliament majority fractured in stand-off over commissioner hearings
Euronews 14/11 - Political stand-off delays approval of new commissioners in European Parliament
Politico 14/11 - Here’s the timeline for the new European Commission
2. US TREASURY REPORT
The US Treasury Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 1: US Treasury Report for week 09/11/2024 – 15/11/2024
3. PIRACY REPORT
The Piracy Report for all actions reported is hereby attached.
Related Article:
Attachment 2:Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report, for the period between 16/10/2024 –13/11/2024
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