As required by the Treaties, the members of the European Commission for the 2024-2029 term, led by President von der Leyen, gave yesterday a solemn undertaking before the European Court of Justice, committing to respect and guard the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
The College was welcomed by the Court, and the solemn session was opened by its President Koen Lenaerts, who underlined the Commission's role as guardian of the Treaties and promoter of the general interest of the Union.
One by one, in their native language, the members of the College committed to be independent in the carrying out of their responsibilities, to refrain from any action incompatible with their duties, and to behave with integrity during and after their term in office.
President von der Leyen delivered a speech in which she highlighted the promise given by the Charter of Fundamental Rights: "A promise that our Union would always stand up for universal rights, the freedoms and the dignity of all people on this great continent," as she described it.
She stressed the responsibility assumed by herself and by the rest of the College, warning that in the coming years the inviolability of Europe's core principles will be put to test from the inside, as well as from the outside. "That is why we, this Court and this Commission, are custodians of the rule of law, of democracy and of social progress," the President said.
The President used the occasion to insist on the emphasis that her Commission will give to Europe's competitiveness in the next five years, stressing that it is Europe's unique model that is the founding stone of its competitiveness: "Our economy is competitive when it stays true to our European social pact and reconciles freedom to conduct business with workers' protections. Our economy is competitive when men and women enjoy the same opportunities. Our economy is competitive when our citizens and our businesses are protected by an independent judiciary. Rule of law, environmental and climate protection, fair and decent working conditions are not just values – they are our competitive advantage."
The President finished her remarks with a call to her College of Commissioners to work every day to defend the European Union: "That is a great responsibility, but also a beautiful one. To live up to that responsibility with you, my colleagues, fills me with joy. Let us set to work with a great sense of responsibility, sincerity and joy," she said.
