Her annual speech on the situation of the Union, perhaps the most important moment of accountability against the elected representatives of European citizens, was announced today by the European Commission President,
In the step for a while more than an hour, from sanctions against Israeli ministers to European defense and security, she did not hesitate to refer to issues such as the controversial trade agreement she signed in the summer with US President Donald.
According to the first analyzes, the German politician did well enough, as in addition to the clear presentation of the strategy and the initiatives that the committee wishes to take on (the realistic implementation of some of whom are already challenged), he managed to maintain her temper.
Specifically, far-right MPs “revolted” when Mrs von der Laien made it clear that the Commission would remain in its decision to suspend the funding of Member States in which there are proven violations of the rule of law, as has happened in the recent past with Hungary.
At the same time, a large portion of MEPs, mainly from the political groups of the Socialists and the Left, have chosen to wear red clothes, in a symbolic move, wanting to express their demand for a red line into the continued attack by the Armed Forces.
As for the speech itself, she mainly moved around four major themes, and more specifically the international role of the Union, the issue of competitiveness, social policies and the preservation of democracy and the rule of law.
The international role of the European Union
Ursula von der Laien could not fail to begin her speech, especially after recent developments in Poland, referring to the latest geopolitical developments and the upgraded role the EU wishes to play in the restored world environment.
In her speech she repeated the issue of Europe’s independence several times, saying, among other things: “Europe is in a battle. A battle for our freedom and our ability to determine our destiny on our own. This must be the moment of Europe’s independence. A moment we can seize if we are united. “
“I don’t even remember how many times they said that Europe cannot do one another. Every time Europe succeeded. The question is simple, does Europe have the guts to remain united? Today’s message is a message of unity between states, institutions, pro -European forces of this parliament, “added von der Layen.
The president of the Commission also spoke of a new era for Europe: “It’s time for the new Europe. There are hostile forces towards Europe. We must determine our destiny on our own and we can do it together. “
It is worth noting that there was also a child from Ukraine with his grandmother in the plenary hall. Little Sasha, who was kidnapped by the Russians at the age of 11 and his grandmother managed after a superhuman effort, with the cooperation of various governments to save, he was applauded, as was his grandmother, by the attendees.
The reference to Gaza
The president of the Commission also referred to Gaza, saying that “what is happening in Gaza has shaken the consciousness of mankind. I send a clear message: Anthropogenic famine can never be used as a war weapon. For the sake of humanity this must stop. The displacement made in recent months is unacceptable. “
He went a step further, announcing the committee’s intention to partially suspend EU trade agreement with Israel, in protest of the “devastating” conditions caused by the ongoing war in Gaza. In addition, he announced a plan to impose sanctions “against the extreme ministers of Israel and violent settlers”.
The Plan of the Commission for Competitiveness
Another area in which Mrs von der Layen was expected to be mentioned that the proposals he made in his long -awaited report were not implemented, were in the aftermath of competitiveness. Indeed, the German politician said that the EU’s independence depends on its competitiveness.
“And that’s why we are investing in the net and digital economy and with the future competitiveness fund, the duplicated” horizons “program and the Draghi exhibition. The digital euro will facilitate consumers and businesses, lead to less bureaucracy, followed by other polynomials for start -ups, and more, “he said, among other things.
“Our top advantage is the single market, but it is still incomplete. We will present a road map by 2028 for chapters and services. At the same time, we are massively investing in European artificial intelligence plants because they support start -ups. The pioneering markets must be in the center, on the supply side we will introduce a 1.8 billion batteries package, and in demand, in the contracts for clean technology, it will be introduced Made in Europe. “
The program for an affordable roof
Another point in her speech that caught attention was the announcement of the EU’s first EU funding program, aiming to tackle the housing crisis affecting many European citizens. The program comes at a critical juncture, as high rental prices and difficulties of access to proper housing have begun to influence the daily life and professional life of nurses, teachers, firefighters and younger generations who are delayed by a family.
Ursula von der Layen emphasized that housing is more than a simple housing, it is a safety and a prerequisite for social stability and economic development. In this context, the Commission proposes the revision of state aid rules so that Member States can fund housing initiatives without prior approval by Brussels. This initiative includes the construction of new houses, student halls and the design of new arrangements for short -term leases, and the convening of the first European Council for Housing is foreseen.
Democracy and rule of law
The president of the Commission also referred to the issue of securing democratic normality in the Member States, saying: “We need the” European Shield of Democracy “. We will create a new center for democratic resilience to fake news and misinformation, which is very dangerous for our democracy. And when independent media dissolve or neutralize, our strength to deal with corruption is severely reduced. We need to protect independent SMEs, we will start the media resilience program, but we need to look at the deepest causes, so in the next budget we proposed increased media funding and private investment. “
Mrs von der Laien also stressed that the Commission would not move from its position to “freeze” the funding in the Member States that violate the rule of law. This report, as mentioned above, created tension on the far -right seats, with Parliament President Roberta Metsola to be forced to intervene several times, even threatening the far -right MEPs by eliminating the room.
Reference to trade agreement with the US
In another aversion to her speech, the German politician said that “that was available and provided with EU businesses an advantage over many foreign opponents,” von der Laien also said.
With this position, the President of the Commission attempted to respond to members of the European Parliament, such as Socialist leader Irace Garcia Perez, who have criticized the agreement, under which the EU will reduce its duties, while the US will impose 15% of the US.
