On Thursday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made her final appeal to EU lawmakers for their support in securing a second term. She pledged to enhance Europe’s defense and strengthen its industry through increased investment. Her speech aimed to gain backing from various political parties, including Italy’s far-right Brothers of Italy party and the Greens.
Von der Leyen’s hour-long speech in the European Parliament outlined her vision for her next five years in office. She promised to boost Europe’s competitiveness and invest significantly in key industries, including defense. At the same time, she emphasized the EU’s commitment to ambitious climate goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. She proposed a new “clean industrial deal” to lower energy bills and an “affordable housing plan.”
To win a second term, von der Leyen needs at least 361 votes in the 720-seat parliament, which is convening in Strasbourg, France, for the first time since the June EU-wide elections. She stressed the need for a “strong Europe” during these “deep anxiety and uncertainty” times, given the conflicts in and near Europe.
If reappointed, von der Leyen will face several challenges, including the war in Ukraine, potential wider conflict in the Middle East, and trade tensions with China. She positioned herself as the most experienced leader to guide the commission through these issues.
She reiterated the EU’s support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression and condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Moscow as an “appeasement mission.” Von der Leyen also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end the bloodshed.
The vote on von der Leyen’s future will be held by secret ballot. Since taking office in 2019 as the first woman to lead the European Commission, she has navigated crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Despite recent criticism for her handling of coronavirus vaccine contracts, her supporters believe she will secure the vote after weeks of negotiations with lawmakers.
Von der Leyen belongs to the European People’s Party, the largest political group in the parliament, which forms a coalition with the Socialists and Democrats and the liberal Renew Europe groups. This coalition theoretically has enough votes to support her, but some lawmakers within these groups may vote against her.
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However, she is expected to gain additional votes from the Greens and the far-right European Conservatives and Reformists, likely ensuring her victory. If she fails, the 27 EU leaders will need to propose a new candidate.
To further garner support, especially from the Greens, von der Leyen published a document detailing her plans, including a “European Oceans Pact” for healthier waters and promises to protect agriculture in response to farmers’ protests against green policies.
If re-elected, she will immediately start assembling her next cabinet of commissioners to work on EU policies. She also pledged to strengthen the EU’s border agency Frontex, triple the number of border guards, and enhance efforts against disinformation, proposing a dedicated EU structure to combat information manipulation and foreign interference.
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