Von der Leyen pledges climate and defense reforms in re‑election bid

Ursula von der Leyen is running for re-election as President of the European Commission. On Thursday, she presented her program to the MEPs. She spoke, among other things, about the future of the Green Deal. Von der Leyen also advocated for the appointment of new commissioners and changes to EU treaties. "The EU's dependence on Russian resources will end once and for all," she announced.

Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EC will not abandon EU climate goals under her leadership, and the Green Deal "will be complemented by an investment program." "The 2040 goal of a 90 percent reduction in emissions will be enshrined in EU climate law," she stated.

Von der Leyen devoted a significant portion of her speech to security. EU defense spending is too low (…). We should invest more and create joint projects, such as an air defense system. The time has come to create a true European Defense Union - she declared.

At the same time, she emphasized 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 counting on our weakness, and some within the Union are helping her. One of our prime ministers flew to Moscow, but it was not a peace mission, she said.

In the context of security, von der Leyen also spoke about energy resources. She announced an end to dependence on Russian resources.

She reminded that Vladimir Putin had blackmailed the EU by cutting off Russian resources, to which the Community responded by intensifying investments in renewable energy. This allowed us to free ourselves from dirty Russian fossil fuels. Together we will ensure that our dependence on Russian resources has ended once and for all - the EC President said.

Von der Leyen also advocated for the appointment of an EU Commissioner for Defence and for tackling the housing crisis.

To remain in office, von der Leyen needs an absolute majority of votes in the EP. The House currently has 720 members, which means that 361 MEPs must support her re-election for a second term. The vote on Thursday around noon (ET) 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. Her candidacy has already been supported by the leaders of 25 member states at the summit on June 27. 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.