Von der Leyen pledges ‘to build a veritable union of defense’ to protect Europe

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – European Commission president and candidate for the post for a second term, Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday pledged to form “a veritable union of defense” for protection of Europe.

In her speech at the 720-seat European Parliament ahead of secret voting to elect the new president of the executive body, von der Leyen put out her future plans for the bloc if she gets elected again.

She talked about the security and protection of Europe against any type of external threats, as well as the housing and agricultural problems that the continent has been facing for the last few years.

“Choices are the hinges of destiny, and in a world full of adversity, Europe’s destiny hinges on what we do next,” she said.

The next five years will determine the next 50 years of the continent, von der Leyen said, adding: “For us to choose the Europe of tomorrow, we must acknowledge how people feel today.

“We are in a period of deep anxiety and uncertainty for Europeans,” she said. “Families are feeling the pain from the cost of living and housing. Young people are concerned about the planet, the future and the prospect of war. Companies and farmers are feeling squeezed.”

“I will never let the extreme polarization of our societies become accepted,” she said.

“I will never accept that demagogues and extremists destroy our European way of life. And I stand here today ready to lead the fight with all the democratic forces in this house."

A stronger Europe that delivers prosperity, protects democracy, ensures social fairness, and upholds the European Green Deal, she stressed, adding: “Our first priority will be prosperity and competitiveness.”

We need to streamline our single market with less bureaucracy, faster permitting, better enforcement, and more accountability, appointing a vice president to oversee and report annually on progress, while introducing a revamped SMEs and competitiveness check, von der Leyen said.

- Sustainability, economic growth

She outlined ambitious plans to drive Europe towards sustainability and economic growth through the European Green Deal.

She emphasized achieving 50% of electricity generation from homegrown renewables in the first half of the year and tripling investments in clean technologies.

Highlighting Europe's leadership in clean hydrogen investment compared to the US and China combined, she stressed forging 35 new global agreements on clean tech, hydrogen, and critical raw materials.

The German politician committed to implementing set goals for 2030 and 2050, focusing on infrastructure and industry investments, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like clean steel and technology.

She underscored the need for increased investment across farming, digital, and strategic sectors, advocating for a European Savings and Investments Union to retain capital and foster growth within Europe.

- Defense, protection of continent

The candidate also touched on the defense and proper protection of the continent, suggesting that member states have to invest in these fields.

“I do believe it is now time to build a veritable union of defense” to protect Europe, she suggested.

Regarding the ongoing Russian war on Ukraine, von der Leyen said: “We must give Ukraine everything it needs to resist and emerge victorious.”

She emphasized NATO's role in collective defense, but highlighted Europe's need for increased defense spending and autonomy as she proposed creating a single market for defense and investing jointly in high-capacity projects such as a unified air defense system.

Von der Leyen also advocated for enhancing Europol's capabilities by doubling its staff and expanding its mandate to strengthen cross-border policing.

She pledged to triple the number of European border and coast guards to 30,000 to bolster security and manage migration more effectively, emphasizing a fair and solidarity-based approach to migration challenges.

- European approach

The president said she aims to improve the effectiveness and dignity of migrant returns through a unified European approach.

She stressed that she plans to appoint a commissioner for the Mediterranean region and proposes a new agenda to strengthen partnerships there.

The politician also called for immediate cease-fire in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians in the last nine months, increased humanitarian aid, and support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

She committed to developing a fair income strategy for European farmers in the food and farming sector. “Anyone who uses sustainable methods to protect the environment and ecosystems needs to be compensated adequately for that service,” she said.

The 65-year-old conservative politician first took the office as the president of the European Commission on Dec. 1, 2019.