[WATCH] Prime Minister welcomes Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as Commission President

Prime Minister Robert Abela has welcomed re-election as European Commission president.

“I am very happy for her because I know how hard she worked during her first mandate. We worked together during one of the most difficult times, the pandemic, where the commission and the EU as whole showed we can overcome challenges when we work together,” Abela said in comments to the press on Thursday afternoon.

Von der Leyen secured the support of 401 MEPs - she needed a majority of 360 votes. The results showed that 707 MEPs voted with 284 against, 15 abstentions and seven void ballots.

“I promised her Malta’s support before the European council was held, I voted for her in the council as well, as I believe she is the most capable in leading forward European priorities, and has the needed qualities to do so,” he said.

He also welcomed von der Leyen’s policy pledge for a Mediterranean Commissioner, with Abela stating it had been proposed by Malta back in a 2023 MED9 summit.

 “It shows that despite us being the smallest country in the EU, when we come up with well-studied ideas, those ideas can make a difference,” he said.

He also praised the Commission’s President’s proposal to form