“Europe is in a battle. A battle for a single and peaceful continent,” the European Commission chairman said during her annual speech on her state of state, which speaks to the European Parliament today in plenary.
The President of the European Commission has called on Europe to “claim its independence” against a “new world -renowned world”. “Nostalgia is no longer an option,” von der Layen said before MEPs. “It is just impossible to wait for the storm to pass quietly,” he added.
He stressed that Europe must fight for its place in a world in which many great powers are either ambiguous or openly hostile to it. So he said that “a new Europe should emerge”, which will be able to undertake its defense and safety, control of technologies and actions that will supply its economies and choose collaborations with old and young allies.
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What did Ursula von der Layen say about Poland
European Commission President Ursula von der Laien has condemned the European Parliament’s step as “dangerous” and “unprecedented” from “more than ten Russian drones shahad”.
“Europe is standing in solidarity with Poland,” she said during her speech before MEPs in Strasbourg.
“Europe will defend every square centimeter of its soil,” he warned, calling on Europe to reinforce its defense effort to obtain “independent strategic means”.
As for the Commission, the president of the Commission proposed the imposition of sanctions on the “extremist” ministers of Netanyahu’s government and partial suspension of the European Union-Israel Association.
“We will propose sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers. And we will also propose a partial suspension of the cooperation agreement on issues related to commercial transactions, “he said, admitting that it is difficult to secure a majority of Member States to adopt these measures.
Gratitude to 20 Greek foresters
Her gratitude to European firefighters who are fighting for the extinguishing of forest fires, the President of the Commission said in a speech on the situation of the Union today in the European Parliament, making a special reference to the group of 20 Greek foresters.
Von der Laen referred to the history of 20 Greek foresters – experts in suppressing the fiercest forest fires. When the fires broke out in the Astouria region, Spain demanded Europe’s support and Greece responded to the call. “The flames were so huge that the smoke was visible from space,” said von der Layen, “but for five days the 20 Greek foresters stood next to their Spanish colleagues.” As the flames approached the village of Genestoso, they struggled day by night to limit the fire and in the end – together – they extinguished the fire and the village was saved.
One of these 20 Greek foresters, Lieutenant Nikolaos Paisios, was present today in the plenary of the European Parliament, who was applauded by MEPs. “It is a great honor to welcome one of these heroes today,” said von der Lien. “Your courage is an inspiration for all of us. We thank you and the team of European heroes for your power, your commitment and your excellent leadership, “he added.
With over a million hectares of burnt land this summer in Europe, the Commission chairman referred to climate change, saying that Europe should radically step up its efforts to adapt and make it more durable. Among other things, he proposed the creation of a new European Center for Cyprus based in Cyprus, which could also support regional neighbors. He also referred to the European Civil Protection Mechanism, noting that this summer, “760 brave Europeans were sent to all corners of Europe”.
For Israel
“The anthropogenic famine can never be a war weapon,” said Commission President Ursula von der Layen, referring to the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, during today’s speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
She said that “what is happening in Gaza has shocked the consciousness of the world” and that “for the sake of humanity – this must stop”.
Von der Layen said the Commission would propose sanctions against “extremist” ministers in Israel and partial suspension of the EU-Israel connection agreement. “We will propose sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers. And we will also propose partial suspension of the association agreement on trade related issues, “he told MEPs in Strasbourg, acknowledging that it would be” difficult “to find a majority of Member States who will adopt these measures. “I know that any action will be excessive for some. Very small for others, “he added, but” we must all take our responsibilities – Parliament, Council and Commission. “
EU priorities
In her speech, Ursula von der Laien has set the committee’s priorities for the coming months, as the EU faces huge geopolitical and strategic challenges.
Starting from the Russian war in, and in particular from the abducted Ukraine children, the Commission President announced that, along with Ukraine and its partners, it will host a summit of the International Coalition for the return of Ukraine children. “Every kid who has been abducted must be returned,” he said.
“This war must end with a fair and constant peace for Ukraine. Ukraine’s freedom is the freedom of Europe, “the von continued. Der Lien, stressing that the EU will continue to support all diplomatic efforts to end this war. However, he added that “we have all seen what Russia means by the term” diplomacy “. Putin refuses to meet President Zelenski “and” last week, Russia fired the largest number of drones and ballistic missiles in a single attack. “
According to the chairman of the Commission, the EU must push it more to come to the negotiating table. “We need more sanctions,” he said, announcing a 19th package of sanctions aimed at Russian fossil fuels, Russian “shadow fleet” and in third countries.
“We need more support for Ukraine,” said von der Layen, saying that “no one has helped as Europe”, with nearly 170 billion euros of military and financial aid so far, but “they will need more”. He said that a “new solution” must be found to finance Ukraine’s war effort and this solution is through frozen Russian assets.
“Putin’s war economy will not stop – even if the war stops. This means that Europe should be ready to take responsibility for its safety, “von der Laien said. He referred to the European program “Ready 2030”, which could release up to 800 billion euros in defense investment, which is now ready to provide € 150 billion for joint supplies. “Nineteen Member States have already applied. The program is already in full force. These are good news, “he said.
This is the fifth time that it has presented the activities and goals of the Commission to the elected representatives of the European citizens and the first after last last last last last after last year’s re -election to the head of the Commission.
