【环时深度】连遭不信任动议，冯德莱恩为何左右不讨好

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming vote of no confidence against Ursula von der Leyen and her leadership of the European Commission reflects increasing political division within the EU, highlighting the need for reform to bridge these divides [1][3][4]. Group 1: No Confidence Motion - The European Parliament will debate and vote on two no-confidence motions against von der Leyen from the far-right "European Patriots" group and the left-wing group, marking an unprecedented situation [3][4]. - The "European Patriots" group accuses the Commission of undermining Europe's economic strength by pushing controversial trade agreements without member state parliamentary authorization [3][4]. - The left-wing group criticizes the Commission for its inaction during the recent Israel-Palestine conflict [3][4]. Group 2: Political Fragmentation - Von der Leyen's annual "State of the Union" address received mixed reactions, indicating the fragmentation of EU politics, with various member states holding divergent views on key issues [4][6]. - The EU is experiencing a rise in populist parties and increased political fragmentation, making consensus more difficult among member states [8][9]. - The internal divisions are evident in the differing stances on trade agreements with South America, where some countries support the deal while others oppose it due to concerns over agricultural interests [6][8]. Group 3: Energy and Climate Policy - Von der Leyen announced plans to coordinate the 19th round of sanctions against Russia and accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels, which has garnered mixed support from member states [4][5]. - Some countries, like Hungary and Slovakia, oppose the phase-out due to concerns over energy prices and supply stability [4][5]. - The EU's energy and climate policies are under scrutiny, especially in light of the recent forest fires affecting approximately 1 million hectares of land [7]. Group 4: Trade Relations with the US - Von der Leyen defended a recent trade agreement with the US, claiming it secures the best possible outcomes for Europe, despite criticism that it may make Europe a subordinate to the US [5][6]. - Polls indicate that a significant portion of the population views the EU-US trade agreement unfavorably, with 52% considering it a "humiliation" [5][6]. - The internal conflict over the trade agreement highlights the challenges of maintaining a unified EU stance amid rising populism and political fragmentation [8][9]. Group 5: Governance Challenges - The EU faces governance challenges due to political fragmentation, making it increasingly difficult for member states to reach consensus on critical issues [9][10]. - Calls for reform of the EU's voting system, particularly moving from unanimous to qualified majority voting, have emerged as a potential solution to enhance decision-making efficiency [10][11]. - The need for flexibility and adaptability within the EU is emphasized as essential for its survival and effectiveness in the 21st century [12].