Ursula von der Leyen was warned European citizens have delivered the European Union with an ultimatum to sort the bloc out or face the end. Italian MEP Stefania Bonafè insisted Brussels should not be complacent after nationalist parties failed to take over the Parliament but instead urged the new European Commission President to “make Europe” to avoid collapse. Addressing Mrs von der Leyen in the European Parliament, the Italian MEP said: “President von der Leyen, new Commissioners – with the vote today we begin on a new course.
“The programme you have presented and which we firmly support from tomorrow must turn into measures aimed at improving the quality of life of our citizens.
“We will be loyal but very demanding in verifying you respect your programme, we will make no concession. In fact, we will aim at dialling up ambition.”
Ms Bonafè continued: “With the latest European election, despite the nationalist atmosphere, citizens have shown they still have faith in the Union project but this is the last call.
“It’s up to us not disappointing their expectations. Paraphrasing a famous quote by a hero of Italian unification, ‘here we make Europe or we die’.”
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“And Phil Hogan will ensure that our future trade deals include a chapter on sustainable developments.”
Ireland’s Phil Hogan is lined up to be the bloc’s most senior trade official – who will be tasked with guiding trade talks with the UK – inside Mrs von der Leyen’s team.
The German politician has strived to secure the support of the European Greens with environmentally friendly policies.
But Ska Keller, co-president of the Greens in the European Parliament, warned her group remained unconvinced about her nomination.
Ms Keller said: “Green headlines are just not enough – without a deep reform of the agriculture policy and of the trade agenda, any climate policy must remain half-hearted and we just don’t have time for that.
“We cannot support your Commission. But we’re willing to work with this Commission.”