Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is facing a renewed challenge to her leadership with two distinct motions of censure being prepared by opposing political groups in the European Parliament. Having narrowly survived a no-confidence vote before the summer break, she now confronts further attempts to unseat her from both the Left and the Patriots for Europe groups, with motions expected to be tabled in the coming weeks.

Each motion of censure requires the signatures of at least 72 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), which constitutes one-tenth of the total number, to be put to a plenary vote. Once validated, the Parliament’s president must inform lawmakers immediately, and a debate on the request for resignation must be scheduled at least 24 hours after the announcement. To successfully topple the European Commission, a motion must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, representing a majority of the Parliament's members. Historically, this has proven difficult, with only 175 MEPs voting in favour during the last attempt, far short of the required number.

The Left group, comprising 46 MEPs and including parties such as France Unbowed, Spain's Podemos, and Italy's Five Star Movement, is actively pursuing its motion. Spokesperson Thomas Shannon stated that the group's initiative is