EU Von der Leyen made her final bid for support from European Union’s legislators in Strasbourg yesterday. She has promised to enhance Europe’s defense and make it a stronger industry by increasing investments in it.
The EU head hopes to get the widest possible spectrum of political parties to vote for her, ranging from Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party and the Greens for which later today they will go the polls.
In an hour-long speech at the European Parliament von der Leyen sometimes had conflicting promises, but presented a far-reaching blueprint for her second five-year term.
She guaranteed that she would boost Europe’s competitiveness and ensure that significant investment is done into key industries such as defense. At the same time, however, she maintained that it was committed not to deviate from its ambitious climate targets especially lowering 90% of gas emissions by 2040.
According to her there is need for a new clean industrial deal in order “to bring down energy bills”. Additionally, she focused on coming up with an “affordable housing plan”
At least 361 votes are required out of 720 seats if she is to win another term; these elections have been taking place as the parliament starts its first session in Strasbourg after EU-wide polls back in June.
Consequently, von der Leyen argued about having a “strong Europe” amidst “times of great anxiety and uncertainty”.
There are other problems also facing von der Leyen should she be reappointed including Ukraine war, wider Middle East conflict risk and trade issues with China within the EU.
She saw herself fit enough to lead this Commission as the best captain one can find anywhere on earth.
Regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine EU reiterated its support of Ukraine. In addition, Viktor Orban visited Moscow just days after Hungary took over rotating European Union presidency in July. This move was described by Von der Leyen as an “appeasement mission”.
Furthermore, she demanded an “immediate and lasting cease-fire” in Gaza, saying that it was time for the “bloodshed to stop”.
A secret ballot will be cast when EU lawmakers vote on her future.
Walking a tightrope
She became the first female ever to hold this office since 2019 after serving as Germany’s Defense Minister.
She has managed through various crises such as Covid Pandemic and the war in Ukraine – but also had many controversies.
The day before Thursday’s vote, a top EU Court ruled that von der Leyen did not disclose enough about her coronavirus vaccine contracts.
Nevertheless, after weeks of talks with members of parliament which are alleged to have used their position to back her, von der Leyen’s supporters believe that she will win comfortably.
According to her opponents von der Leyen is very frustrating at least because they argue that she has fragile majority. Only nine more MEPs voted for her during her first term in 2019.
She comes from the largest political group in Parliament, the conservative European People’s Party (EPP), which is part of a centrist coalition with Socialists and Democrats and Renew Europe liberals.
In principle, this coalition has enough numbers for Von der Leyen to make it through.
She also expects that some of those lawmakers in those groups will vote against her, but she will also gain some votes from the Greens and far-right European Conservatives and Reformists which will secure the deal.
If she cannot get a majority, then 27 leaders will be expected to give another name.
Well defended borders
Von der Leyen published a document with more information about her plans in order to win further approval from the lawmakers, especially the Greens.
She said she would create “European Oceans Pact” to ensure healthier oceans. However, in what amounts to an indication of how difficult it is for her to strike a balance, she as well pledged to protect agriculture following protests by farmers over green policies.
In case of election success, von der Leyen will have no time left but only to start putting together her new cabinet made up of commissioners referred as college who are supposed to work EU policy.
von der Leyen stated that she would create a new commissioner focused on Europe’s housing crisis; “strengthening” EU border agency Frontex and triple border guards’ number.
She also promised to strengthen the fight against disinformation by EU.
«The union needs its own structure dedicated to the fight against manipulation of information and foreign interference», von der Leyen said.
