The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group has been divided over a vote of no-confidence against the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. Polish and Romanian MEPs have joined forces to table the motion, while Italian deputies are set to defend the Commission. The largest party within the ECR, Brothers of Italy, will vote against the motion, citing it as a “mistake” and a “political gift to our opponents.”
Brothers of Italy’s leader, Nicola Procaccini, launched a scathing attack on his fellow MEPs from PiS and AUR, accusing them of never presenting a motion of censure against the previous von der Leyen commission. He also made veiled attacks on the Romanian party AUR, whose candidate for presidency George Simion recently lost the runoff.
The speech has upset some ECR delegations, with sources suggesting that Procaccini’s words could have been dictated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The group had previously sought closer cooperation with the European People’s Party, but not all MEPs are on board with this strategy.
While Procaccini claims to speak “on behalf of the two-thirds” of the Conservatives, it is unclear how many members will ultimately back the motion of censure. However, sources agree that it would spell significant trouble for the group and put Italian and Polish delegations at odds. Despite this, none expect the ECR to collapse.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/07/09/how-von-der-leyens-confidence-vote-has-torn-conservatives-in-parliament