In an interview with the Italian private television network Nove, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that for her new term “she will ask for the cooperation and support of the MEPs who are in favor of Ukraine, the rule of law and Europe”.

At the same time, he appealed to young people “to show courage and trust and go vote in the European elections”. Regarding the main priorities of the united Europe, the President of the Commission placed special emphasis on the protection of the environment, the digitization process, the strengthening of clean energy and the reduction of bureaucracy.

Asked about the developments in the Middle East, she stated that “Europe firmly supports the two-state solution, Israel and the Palestinian, which must be safe and independent” while adding that European humanitarian aid to the civilian population is constantly increasing.

He emphasized that “Europe will continue to provide support to Ukraine, until this is considered necessary. “It is about the architecture of our peace. International law must always be respected, otherwise we open the door to authoritarian regimes,” stressed Ursula von der Leyen.

On defence, he advocated “a Europe that provides protection” by increasing investment in common European defense and strengthening the European defense industry. “For peace to prevail, we must be strong and adequately prepared,” he said. At the same time, he asked China “to constructively use its influence over Russia, curbing Putin’s ‘nuclear rhetoric’.”

“Europe is based on freedom of expression, peace, freedom of the press. We want to strengthen, even more, our democracy and these values”, concluded the president of the European Commission.