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 144.” Left and Socialist groups plan counter-motions on Commission transparency.
ECR leader Nicola Procaccini stated, “Institutional reset necessary amid rule-of-law inconsistencies.” Renew Europe’s Valérie Hayer warned against destabilisation tactics.
Voting Mechanics and Historical Precedents
Plenary session in Strasbourg hosts the vote post-debate. Electronic voting lasts 30 minutes, with results immediate. An absolute majority of 353 MEPs must participate; two-thirds of votes cast suffices for passage.
Only one prior motion reached vote in 1999 against Prodi Commission over food safety scandals, failing 293-232. Santer Commission resigned voluntarily in 1999 amid scandal. Article 17 TEU mandates Commission dissolution upon censure.
Vice-Presidents prepare caretaker transition plans. Council President António Costa holds emergency coordination with member states.
Broader Political Context in Parliament
Seventh term sees heightened polarisation post-2024 elections. Patriots for Europe group, holding 84 seats, coordinates with ID’s 78. EPP and S&D maintain 188 combined seats, pledging opposition.
Rule-of-law reports targeting Hungary underpin tensions since 2022. December 2025 European Council deadlock on budget delayed resolution. Von der Leyen’s term expires July 2029 barring censure.
National parliaments monitor proceedings; Polish PiS MEPs signal abstention. Voter turnout concerns prompt integrity pledges from all groups.
Potential Implications for EU Governance
Success triggers Vice-President nomination process under Article 17. High Representative Kaja Kallas assumes interim duties. New Commission formation requires hearings and Council approval, delaying up to six months.
Ongoing enlargement talks with Western Balkans pause pending stability. Eurobarometer surveys show 52% public support for Commission in December 2025. Legislative agenda on AI Act implementation continues unaffected.
Council legal service prepares contingency scenarios. European Court of Justice holds jurisdiction over disputes.
Reactions from Member States and Institutions
Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán welcomed the motion via X, stating “Accountability time for Brussels bureaucracy.” Polish PM Donald Tusk urged restraint to preserve cohesion. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed EPP backing.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde noted no immediate monetary impact. Court of Auditors announced special review of conditionality mechanisms.
