Ursula von der Leyen faces no-confidence votes
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen survived a no-confidence motion in the European Parliament on January 3, 2026, filed by the "Patriots for Europe" group concerning the EU's trade agreement with Mercosur, with 390 votes against, 165 in favor, and 10 abstentions. As of January 3, 2026: von der Leyen has survived multiple no-confidence votes, including two others on October 9, 2025, amidst ongoing scrutiny over her undisclosed text messages with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. The New York Times' lawsuit to access these messages led to a May 14, 2025, ruling by the General Court of the EU, which annulled the Commission's decision to withhold them, citing a violation of transparency laws. Reports indicate these messages were likely destroyed as her phone was replaced multiple times without saving old communications.
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April 2026 — 1 developments
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.