Ursula von der Leyen's bold vision: Ending russian resource reliance
Ursula von der Leyen is running for re-election as President of the European Commission. On Thursday, she presented her programme to the MEPs. Von der Leyen spoke, among other things, about the future of the Green Deal. She also advocated for appointing new commissioners and changes to EU treaties. "Therefore, together, we will ensure that the era of dependency on Russian fossil fuels is over. Once and for all," she announced.
Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EC will not abandon EU climate goals under her leadership, and an investment programme will complement the Green Deal. "In this logic, we will enshrine our 90% target for 2040 in our European Climate Law," she stated.
Von der Leyen devoted a significant portion of her speech to security. We all know very well that our spending on defence is too low and ineffective...We need to invest more. We need to invest together. And we must set up common European projects. For example, a comprehensive aerial defence system – a European Air Shield, not only to protect our airspace but as a strong symbol of European unity in defence matters, she declared.
At the same time, she emphasised that NATO remains the "pillar of collective defence" for European countries.
Von der Leyen also recalled Viktor Orban's recent visit to Russia, although she did not mention his name. Russia is banking on Europe and the West going soft. And some, in Europe, are playing along. Two weeks ago, an EU Prime Minister went to Moscow. This so-called peace mission was nothing but an appeasement mission, she said.
Von der Leyen also discussed energy resources in the context of security. She announced an end to dependence on Russian resources.
She reminded the EU that Vladimir Putin had blackmailed the EU by cutting off Russian resources, to which the Community responded by intensifying investments in renewable energy. "But we withstood together. We invested massively in homegrown cheap renewables. And this enabled us to break free from dirty Russian fossil fuels. Therefore, together, we will ensure that the era of dependency on Russian fossil fuels is over. Once and for all," the EC President said.
Von der Leyen also advocated for appointing an EU Commissioner for Defence and tackling the housing crisis.
Will von der Leyen remain EC President? MEPs will decide
To remain in office, von der Leyen needs an absolute majority of votes in the EP. The House has 720 members, meaning 361 MEPs must support her re-election for a second term. The vote on Thursday will be preceded by a debate during which the EC President will present her ideas for a second term.
Von der Leyen is seeking to lead the EC for another five years. At the summit on 27 June, the leaders of 25 member states supported her candidacy. The Italian Prime Minister and leader of the Brothers of Italy party, Giorgia Meloni, abstained from voting, while Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voted against her candidacy.
