Ahead of the vote on Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the commission, appeared before the European Parliament to defend herself against complaints about transparency.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces a rare no-confidence vote in the European Parliament this week

In order to pass a vote of no confidence in the EU's highest executive authority, two thirds of the MEPs present must vote in favor. In this case, the commission resigns in full along with the head, but continues to serve until a new team is formed. The European Council must then propose its candidacy for the presidency of the European Commission.