Ursula von der Leyen is running for re-election as President of the European Commission. In her last major speech before the election, she appeals to the democratic MPs and calls for more defense for Europe.
In her application speech for a second term as President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen passionately advocated a determined fight against demagogues and extremists. She will “never accept” that they “destroy our European way of life”.
But it can decide to protect its own democracy and invest in the security and defense of this continent, the CDU politician told the members of the European Parliament. She is ready to lead the fight with all democratic forces in the European Parliament. She will never accept that demagogues and extremists destroy the European way of life.
Von der Leyen against Orban: Russia trip was an “appeasement mission”
Von der Leyen criticized the trip of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a concession to a politician who started the war against Ukraine. It was not a “peace mission” but an “appeasement mission,” she said, alluding to the British appeasement policy towards Adolf Hitler in World War II.
In view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, she also spoke out in favor of building a “real European Union of Defense.” This would involve, for example, a European air defense shield. To achieve this, the EU would have to invest more in its security. However, NATO would remain the pillar of European defense. She also wanted to focus on building a “real European Defense Union.” An EU Defense Commissioner would also be appointed for the first time.
Von der Leyen does not want to scale back her green policy. In a 31-page document in which she sets out her vision, she commits herself to proposing new ways of climate policy. However, she spoke out in favor of allowing synthetic fuels for cars, so-called e-fuels. In her political guidelines for the next five years, the CDU politician announced a corresponding “targeted change to the regulation” for the phasing out of combustion engines by 2035. In order to achieve the climate goals, “a technology-neutral approach is required.”
Von der Leyen: We Europeans decide who comes to Europe and under what circumstances
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Von der Leyen promises border protection
Specifically, if she is re-elected by Parliament, von der Leyen announced initiatives for greater competitiveness and a stronger defense industry as well as measures for fair incomes for farmers. Von der Leyen said that we are in a time of great fear and uncertainty. But she is convinced that a strong Europe is up to the challenges.
Von der Leyen also promised to renew border management and to strengthen the EU border protection agency Frontex and the law enforcement agency Europol. She also wants to propose a new approach to the return of migrants. She advocates tripling the number of employees of the European border and coast guard to 30,000, emphasized the 65-year-old German.
“We will show zero tolerance towards those who threaten the security of our borders and our citizens with hybrid attacks,” von der Leyen said. “Hostile actors who push people across the EU’s external borders for political reasons should be recognised and sanctioned as a threat to our security.”
The vote on a second term for von der Leyen is scheduled for 1 p.m. The result should be available around 3 p.m. She needs an absolute majority of 361 of the 720 votes.
Note: This text has been updated to include additional information.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
