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A no-confidence motion targeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is under discussion after she refused to disclose text messages exchanged with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during COVID-19 vaccine negotiations. Over 70 MEPs support the motion, accusing her of violating EU transparency rules in the €35 billion deal. Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperea warned a "Pandora's Box has been opened," criticizing the Commission's defiance of a 2025 European Court of Justice ruling ordering the release of the texts. "When a court rules against you, you must comply. The EU cannot ignore its own laws," he stressed, calling the secrecy undemocratic. Piperea accused the EU of hypocrisy, saying it harshly judges Eastern members like Romania and Poland over rule-of-law issues but shields itself from accountability. The motion faces a procedural vote on Wednesday by the Parliament’s Conference of Presidents. If approved, it will advance to a full session in July, though removal requires a two-thirds majority—unlikely but symbolically significant. Piperea claimed some MEPs faced pressure to withdraw support, including threats of expulsion from the European People’s Party (EPP). While success is doubtful, he said even 30-40% support would send a strong message. "This Pandora’s Box is open now. More motions may follow, and von der Leyen could eventually be forced to resign," he said, hinting at legal action if institutions continue to evade accountability.(Footage by Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)