Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 14, 2026 – The European Parliament has scheduled a new no-confidence vote against the EU Commission following a procedural challenge to the previous motion’s validity. The vote, set for next week, requires a two-thirds majority of votes cast and an absolute majority of MEPs present to pass. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged unity amid ongoing institutional tensions.
The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents confirmed the new no-confidence motion on 13 January 2026, after ruling the initial December 2025 vote invalid due to insufficient signatures. Hungarian MEP Péter Szijjártó tabled the renewed motion, citing alleged mismanagement in rule-of-law disputes and budget allocations. Parliament rules mandate debate within 10 days, with voting scheduled for 21 January.
The motion garners support from 72 MEPs across Identities and Democracy, Conservatives and Reformists, and non-attached members, meeting the threshold. Previous attempts failed to reach quorum in 2024 and early 2025. Procedural debates begin Thursday in Strasbourg.
Origins and Procedural Background of the Motion
The no-confidence motion originates from escalating disputes over EU recovery funds withheld from Hungary and Poland. MEP Szijjártó submitted the initial motion on 2 December 2025, alleging Commission overreach in conditionality mechanisms. Parliament’s legal service invalidated it on 5 January 2026 for lacking verified signatures from seven political groups.
Refiled on 10 January with confirmed backing, the motion cites Article 234 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Conference of Presidents, chaired by Roberta Metsola, approved scheduling by majority vote. Greens and Renew Europe abstained from endorsement.
Precedents include failed motions against Jean-Claude Juncker’s 2014-2019 Commission. No Commission has fallen via this procedure since inception. Voting requires 383 of 705 MEPs in favour, representing two-thirds of those voting.
Key Allegations Listed in the Motion
The document accuses the Commission of violating subsidiarity principles in migration policy enforcement. It references 2025 Court of Justice rulings fining Hungary €200 million over asylum procedures. Commissioners face claims of selective budget releases favouring aligned states.
Agricultural policy reforms post-2024 farmer protests form another pillar, with allegations of ignoring Council positions. Climate targets under the 2040 package allegedly bypass impact assessments. Signatories demand von der Leyen’s resignation and caretaker Commission.
Parliamentary committees on Budgets and Legal Affairs reviewed the text, confirming compliance without amendments. Debate allocates two hours per side, starting 16 January.
Statements from Motion Proponents and Commission
MEP Szijjártó declared, “EU Commission must face new no-confidence vote to restore accountability in EU institutions.” He pledged cross-group outreach for quorum. Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács echoed calls for transparency.
Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer responded, “The College stands united behind its President and legislative priorities.” Von der Leyen addressed MEPs on 12 January, highlighting NextGenerationEU disbursements exceeding €300 billion.
Parliament President Metsola affirmed, “Democratic process unfolds as per Rules of Procedure
Comments
10 responses to “European Parliament Plans New No-Confidence Vote Against EU Commission”
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Isn’t it just delightful how the EU Parliament treats no-confidence votes like a game of musical chairs? 🎶 With all this procedural gymnastics, one might wonder if they’re trying to win an Olympic medal in bureaucracy! 😂
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Seems like the Euro circus is back in town—grab your popcorn, folks! 🍿 Another no-confidence vote? Surely, this will solve all our problems, just like the last five attempts did! 🤡
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Looks like the EU Commission is about to get the ol’ heave-ho again, just when you thought they couldn’t mess it up any more than they already have! 🤦♂️ Two votes down, and they still can’t find the quorum to keep their heads above water – it’s like watching a bunch of cats try to swim! 🐱👤
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Looks like the EU Commission is about to experience a real-life episode of “Survivor: Brussels Edition.” Who knew procedural challenges could be the hottest topic since the last football match? 🤷♂️⚽️
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Ah, another no-confidence vote? Just what we need – a bit more political theatre to keep us entertained while the real issues gather dust. 🙄
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Just what we needed, another no-confidence vote! It’s like watching a soap opera, but with less drama and more bureaucratic jargon. 😂
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Just what we needed, another thrilling episode of “Who Wants to Boot the Commission?” – it’s like a never-ending soap opera, but with fewer plot twists and more bureaucratic jargon. 🥱 If only they had a budget for some real drama!
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Just what we needed, another round of parliamentary theatre in Brussels—who doesn’t love a good drama? 🎭💸 It’s like they’re trying to win an Oscar for “Best Procedural Delay”!
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Couldn’t be more excited for another riveting episode of “Who Wants to Fire a Commissioner?” I mean, what’s more thrilling than watching democracy in action while 72 MEPs hold hands and sing Kumbaya? 🎤💼
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Funny how a no-confidence vote feels like a game of musical chairs in the EU—everyone’s looking for a seat while the music’s playing, and the only ones who get left standing are the taxpayers. 🎶🙄
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Looks like the EU Commission is about to have another riveting episode of “The Never-Ending No-Confidence Vote.” Who knew politics could be such a binge-worthy series? 🍿🤣
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