During her State of the Union speech, Ursula von der Leyen referred to the “chaos” and “carnage” of extreme weather conditions, citing Greece and Spain as examples – She also made extensive reference to immigration
“This summer has been the hottest ever recorded in Europe,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament today, referring to the response of EU in climate change with the European Green Deal.
During her speech, Ursula von der Leyen was mentioned in the “chaos” and “carnage” of extreme weather conditions, bringing as example Greece and Spain. “Greece and Spain were hit by devastating fires and were hit again only a few weeks later by devastating floods,” he said, adding that extreme weather conditions also hit Slovenia, Bulgaria and the entire EU.
“This is the reality of a boiling planet”, he said and added that “the European Green Deal was born out of this necessity to protect our planet. But it was also designed as an opportunity to preserve our future prosperity.”
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that as long as new investments are underway to decarbonize the industrythe EU will continue to support European industry, as with the Zero Emissions Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Speaking about the “clean” transition plan for the industry, he referred among other things to a “European wind energy package – in close cooperation with industry and Member States”.
“From wind to steel, from batteries to electric vehicles, our ambition is clear: The future of the clean technology industry must be created in Europe,” stressed Ursula von der Leyen.
At the same time as the development strategy, the president of the Commission stressed, the EU will try to have a fair transition. “This means a fair outcome for future generations – living on a healthy planet. And a just journey for all those affected – with decent jobs and an official promise to leave no one behind.”
On immigration: “Resistance and patient work is needed”
The President of the European Commission placed particular emphasis on immigration.
“I have always had an unshakable belief that immigration must be addressed. It takes endurance and patient work”said Ursula von der Leyen adding that unity is needed within the Union.
“This is the spirit of the New Deal on Immigration and Asylum. When we took office, no compromise seemed possible. But with the Pact, we strike a new balance. Between protecting the border and protecting people,” he stressed. It also focused on tackling human trafficking.
“We know that migration requires constant work. And nowhere is this more vital than in the fight against human trafficking. They attract desperate people with their lies. They are put on deadly journeys in the desert or in boats that are unfit for the sea. The way traffickers operate is constantly evolving. But our legislation is over twenty years old and in urgent need of updating. So we need new legislation and a new governance structure. We need stronger law enforcement,” he stressed.
She noted that “this is why the Commission will organize an international conference to combat human trafficking. It is time to put an end to this cruel and criminal enterprise.”
Ursula von der Leyen underlined that “every day, we see that conflict, climate change and instability push people to seek refuge elsewhere”. “Our hearts bleed when we see the devastating loss of life in Libya and Morocco following the violent floods and earthquake. Europe will always be ready to support in any way it can,” he added.
At the same time, the President of the Commission stated that the spirit of the Pact has been translated into practical solutions, “we were quick and united in the response to the hybrid attack launched by Belarus against us. We worked closely with our partners in the Western Balkans and reduced irregular flows. We have signed a partnership with Tunisia that brings mutual benefits beyond migration – from energy and education, to skills and security. And now we want to work on similar agreements with other countries. We increased border protection. The European organizations deepened their cooperation with the member states”.
The President of the European Commission also made a statement in the G20 agreement for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
“It will be the most direct connection to date between India, the Arabian Gulf and Europe: with a rail link, which will make trade between India and Europe 40% faster,” noted the Commission President, adding that the Global Gateway is making a real difference .
“We are now seeing the birth of a ‘geopolitical Union'”
At the same time, the President of the Commission spoke of the birth of a “geopolitical Union”.
“In just under 300 days, Europeans will go to the polls,” Ursula von der Leyen said, pointing out that the EU’s millions of voters, especially young people, should think about “the impact of catastrophic climate change, how man-made intelligence will affect their lives, or their chances of finding a home or a job in the years to come.”
“Our Union today reflects the vision of those who dreamed of a better future after World War II. A future in which a Union of nations, democracies and peoples will work together to share peace and prosperity,” the President of the Commission then said.
She pointed out that the work of this Commission must be completed within the next 300 days. He also recalled that, when he presented the program of this Commission in 2019 for a green, digital and geopolitical Europe, many had doubts.
“And this was before the world was turned upside down by a global pandemic and a brutal war on European soil.”
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that now we see the birth of “a geopolitical Union – supporting Ukraine, resisting Russian aggression, responding to an assertive China and investing in partnerships.”
He added that the EU is becoming independent in critical sectors such as energy, semiconductors (chips) or raw materials and that the “ambitious” European Green Deal is the centerpiece of the EU economy. At the same time, he said, the EU has paved the way for the digital transition and has become a global leader in online rights.
She also referred to the historic Recovery Fund (NextGenerationEU), with €800 billion of investment and reform resources and decent jobs. At the same time he pointed out that the foundations have been laid for a “Health Union”, helping to vaccinate an entire continent – and large parts of the world.
Ursula von der Leyen also spoke about gender equality, referring in particular to the Pay Transparency Directive which enshrines the principle that equal work deserves equal pay. Finally, he spoke about the fight against violence against women, emphasizing: “I would like to put into law another basic principle: No means no. There can be no true equality without freedom from violence.”
George Fellidis
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
