Ursula von der Leyen faces no-confidence votes
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived two no-confidence motions in the European Parliament on April 30, 2026, with neither the far-right Patriots for Europe group's motion (179 in favor, 378 against) nor The Left group's motion (133 in favor, 383 against) achieving the required two-thirds majority. As of April 30, 2026, von der Leyen has successfully fended off multiple no-confidence votes, including one on January 2026 regarding the EU's trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which was defeated with 390 votes against. These votes follow ongoing scrutiny, including a 2025 General Court of the EU ruling in favor of The New York Times, which found the Commission violated transparency laws by withholding text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
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April 2026 — 2 developments
The European Parliament has rejected two new no-confidence motions against European Commission Presi…
The European Parliament has rejected two new no-confidence motions against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one from the far-right Patriots for Europe group and another from the left-wing The Left group. The far-right motion received 179 votes in favor and 378 against, while the far-left motion garnered 133 votes in favor and 383 against, with neither achieving the required two-thirds majority to pass.
The European Parliament rejected a no-confidence motion against European Commission President Ursula…
The European Parliament rejected a no-confidence motion against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 2026, filed by the "Patriots for Europe" group concerning the EU's trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc. The motion was defeated with 390 votes against, 165 in favor, and 10 abstentions.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Ursula von der Leyen survived two additional no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on Octob…
Ursula von der Leyen survived two additional no-confidence votes in the European Parliament on October 9, 2025, brought by far-right and far-left groups, marking her third such survival within a year.
August 2025 — 1 developments
The New York Times reports that text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla wer…
The New York Times reports that text messages between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla were likely destroyed, with her phone having been replaced multiple times and old messages not saved.
July 2025 — 2 developments
Ursula von der Leyen survives the no-confidence vote in the European Parliament, as the motion fails to secure the required two-thirds majority.
Ursula von der Leyen survives the no-confidence vote in the European Parliament, as the motion fails to secure the required two-thirds majority.
A debate on a motion of censure (no-confidence) against Ursula von der Leyen is held in the European…
A debate on a motion of censure (no-confidence) against Ursula von der Leyen is held in the European Parliament, initiated by MEP Gheorghe Piperea, citing the 'Pfizergate' scandal among other concerns.
May 2025 — 1 developments
The General Court of the EU rules in favor of The New York Times, annulling the European Commission'…
The General Court of the EU rules in favor of The New York Times, annulling the European Commission's decision to withhold the text messages and stating the Commission violated transparency laws.
February 2025 — 1 developments
Investigative reporter Alexander Fanta publishes an article in The Guardian, detailing his own faile…
Investigative reporter Alexander Fanta publishes an article in The Guardian, detailing his own failed attempts to access the texts and highlighting the broader implications of the secrecy for EU transparency.
November 2024 — 1 developments
The European General Court holds a public hearing in The New York Times' lawsuit concerning the access to the text messages.
The European General Court holds a public hearing in The New York Times' lawsuit concerning the access to the text messages.
May 2024 — 1 developments
A hearing regarding similar complaints filed with an investigative judge in Liège, Belgium, is adjourned, with the EPPO confirming these complaints fall under its competence.
A hearing regarding similar complaints filed with an investigative judge in Liège, Belgium, is adjourned, with the EPPO confirming these complaints fall under its competence.
January 2023 — 1 developments
The New York Times lodges a lawsuit with the European General Court seeking access to the text messages between von der Leyen and Bourla.
The New York Times lodges a lawsuit with the European General Court seeking access to the text messages between von der Leyen and Bourla.
October 2022 — 1 developments
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) confirms it has launched an ongoing investigation into the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) confirms it has launched an ongoing investigation into the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines in the European Union.
July 2022 — 1 developments
The European Ombudsman severely criticizes the Commission and formally confirms a finding of maladministration regarding the lack of transparency over the text messages.
The European Ombudsman severely criticizes the Commission and formally confirms a finding of maladministration regarding the lack of transparency over the text messages.
January 2022 — 1 developments
The European Ombudsman files a complaint, accusing the Commission of maladministration and urging a more thorough search for the text messages.
The European Ombudsman files a complaint, accusing the Commission of maladministration and urging a more thorough search for the text messages.
September 2021 — 1 developments
Following a refusal to provide access to the messages, European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly opens an in…
Following a refusal to provide access to the messages, European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly opens an investigation into the European Commission's handling of transparency requests regarding the vaccine negotiations.