Re-elected von der Leyen promises stronger, more democratic Europe

Ms Ursula von der Leyen outlined her vision for a more competitive, more secure and more democratic Europe Thursday, as MEPs elected her to her second term as President of the European Commission. The vote by the Parliament, currently composed of 719 MEPs, was held by secret paper ballot ended 401 MEPs in favour, 284 against. Ahead of the vote, Ursula von der Leyen presented her political priorities for the next five years during the debate with MEPs.

Her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Europe included key initiatives such as a new Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonisation and industrial growth and a European Competitiveness Fund to boost innovation. She announced she would boost security by doubling Europol’s staff and tripling the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30 000. She proposed a European Democracy Shield for countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and a European Affordable Housing Plan.

Ms von der Leyen also suggested a plan for agriculture to address the need to adapt to climate change and a Roadmap for Women’s Rights. Saying “we must enable young people to make the most of Europe’s freedoms”, she highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme, mental health, and tackling issues related to screen time and social media, including addictive practices.

There was significant focus on defence, with a proposal to create a new post of Commissioner for Defence to drive the European Defence Union and calling for a comprehensive aerial defence system – a European Air Shield – to protect EU airspace and “as a strong symbol of European unity in defence matters”. Ms von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, reaffirming that “Europe will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes”.

New Commissioner roles she announced include Housing, to tackle the continent’s housing crisis; the Mediterranean, to foster regional stability and cooperation; and Intergenerational Fairness, to ensure policies consider the needs of future generations.

Source: EUbusiness