Good morning from Brussels. This week, the European Parliament is expected to confirm the new EU Commission, ending three weeks of political clashes that threatened to put EU policymaking on hold until next year. The pro-EU groups that elected Ursula von der Leyen to the executive helm (centre-right EPP, centre-left S&D, and liberal Renew) found a compromise and struck a loose deal last week. But the recent deal does not resolve the complicated dispute between the EPP and socialists, writes Euractiv’s Nicholas Wallace, who also maps the state of play ahead of the vote. The shaping of EU policies is deeply affected by the relations of the two largest political groups, considering that the new deal does not prevent the EPP from turning to its right-wing neighbours to look for majorities when it sees an opportunity. EU Parliament chief Roberta Metsola told Euractiv that her primary objective is “creating and maintaining a pro-European majority that focuses on constructive solutions and advancing our union”. “I want to foster consensus that transcends political differences, working to secure the widest possible support - no matter the issue, be it the economy, migration or climate”, the Maltese politician said. She said she was proud of how effective and efficient Parliament has been in swiftly forging majorities on complex and sensitive questions, citing as examples the Ukraine issue or the call for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East. “We acted swiftly to adopt legislation on gas storage and the reform of electricity markets to alleviate the effects of the energy crisis. These were possible because people worked responsibly together. This will continue to be my vocation in the years to come”, she added. | 