German centre-right politician Ursula von der Leyen's election by MEPs as the European Union executive's first female head is "an encouraging sign," Italy's populist premier Giuseppe Conte said late Tuesday, praising her plans to protect the planet and fight trafficking.
"Ursula von der Leyen's election as the president of the European Commission is an encouraging sign. But it is only the beginning," Conte said in a statement.
"We appreciate President von der Leyen's vision of a Europe that finally shows greater solidarity, more respect for the environment and a firmer stance on fighting illegal trafficking and migration," the statement added.
Italy, as an EU founder member, would not waver in its commitment to helping "renew" Europe and "put citizens at its centre in future" said the statement.
Europe will only get closer to its citizens and become "more just and democratic" if it can count on the commitment of "all its institutions" and member states," the statement warned.
Von der Leyen, a compromise candidate, was confirmed by the European Parliament for the EU's top job by 383 votes to 327. She needed the backing of 374 out of 747 MEPs to win.
A total of 751 MEPs were elected in May, but four were absent for Tuesday's vote.
