Ursula von der Leyen pledged this Wednesday before the plenary session of the European Parliament to govern “from the center” and “to work with all pro-European democratic forces” during his mandate. second term at the head of the European Commissionin which the promotion of innovation and competitiveness of the economy and the strengthening of the security and defense of the continent have been set as priorities.
As a preliminary step to the investiture vote, The president presented her entire team of commissioners in plenary sessionwho have already successfully passed individual parliamentary reviews in a process that was about to be derailed by the case of Therese Ribera. The Spanish PP wanted to overthrow him for his management at DANA in Valencia, but it was finally ratified last week thanks to an agreement between popular Europeans, socialists and liberals.
“In recent weeks, you have scrutinized each member of this college. You have tested their abilities for the tasks they will occupy. I know it has not been easy. But overcoming divisions and forging compromise is the hallmark of any living democracy.“, concluded the president.
Regarding Teresa Ribera, who will be first executive vice-president of Competition and Ecological Transition in the new European government, the German declared that she was “well prepared ensure we have a modern competition policy to support our ambitions.”She is an authentic and dedicated European. And together we will always work for the European interest,” says Von der Leyen.
“We will work with all the pro-European democratic forces within this Assembly. And as I did during my first mandate, I will always work from the center. Because we all want the best for Europe and the best for Europeans. So it’s time to unite,” said the German.
The German company has assured that its first major initiative during this second mandate will be to present a “Competitiveness Compass”, based on the recommendations of the report of the former president of the ECB, Mario Draghi. An initiative which will include three pillars: closing the EU’s innovation gap compared to the United States and China; promote a common plan for decarbonization and competitiveness; and improve the security and defense of the continent in “an increasingly dangerous world”.
“War is ravaging Europe’s borders. And we must prepare for what lies ahead, working hand in hand with NATO. We know we must do much more together as Europeans. Just one figure : Russia spends up to 9% of its GDP on defense, while Europe spends an average of 1.9%.. There is something wrong with this equation,” the president stressed.
“Our defense spending must increase. We need a single defense market. We must strengthen the defense industrial base. We must improve our military mobility. And we need common European defense projects,” says Von der Leyen. For the first time heGermany has appointed a Defense Commissionerwho was tasked with presenting a White Paper on the future of European defense during the first 100 days of his mandate.
“I can assure you that the security of Europe will always be the priority of this Commission,” Von der Leyen said.
.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "The National Police dismantles a group that sold immigration appointments via computer “robots”")
