Ursula von der Leyen pledged on Thursday not to weaken Europe’s efforts to tackle climate change if she wins a second five-year term as president of the European Commission, the EU’s most powerful body. Among other things, the German politician stressed that she is the creation of a common European defense is necessary, leaving spikes also against Viktor Orbán.

In her opening remarks to the European Parliament. painted a grim picture of the current state of a polarized world.

“We are in a period of deep concern,” she said, addressing the 720 members of the European Parliament ahead of today’s crucial vote.

In this context, Ursula von der Leyen underlined that she aims for a stronger and more democratic Europe. “I am convinced that Europe, a strong Europe, can rise to the challenge and that is why I am asking for your trust today.”

“The choices they are the “hinges” of destiny. Let’s make the choice of strength, leadership and Europe” noted in her speech.

It also pledged in its political platform to appoint a Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans to ensure that “the sector remains sustainable, competitive and resilient and a level playing field for the European fishing chain”.

He also asked for one European Pact on the Oceans which will focus on strengthening the ‘blue’ economy and ensuring the good governance and sustainability of our oceans in all their dimensions.”

Ukrainian

“We should invest more in security and defense. Russia is still attacking Ukraine. They want to make next winter even more difficult. It is based on the EU going “soft” and some are playing that game. A few days ago a European prime minister went to Moscow. This mission of “peace” is a mission of appeasement,” he said, leaving tips for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

“Ladies and Gentlemen MEPs should give Ukraine what it needs to resist and win. This entails many options for the future. For the first time in decades, our freedom is at risk. We are responsible for doing everything necessary to protect European citizens. It is Europe’s duty. I believe the time has come to create for a European Defense Union. I know some people are not happy with the idea, but what should make us feel uncomfortable are the threats to our defense,” he pointed out. “NATO will remain the pillar of our collective defense,” he clarified.

“Our defense spending is low and insufficient. We should create a single defense market and invest more in high-level defense capabilities. Let’s invest more and together. To create common European projects and arguments such as an air shield not only for the protection of airspace but also as a symbol of Europe in the field of defense”.

The von der Leyen document

“We must remain, and we will remain, on the path to the goals set out in the European Green Deal,” she also emphasized in a 31-page document she released, referring to the package of climate policies that von der Leyen highlighted as the main mission of the first five years of her term.

It pledged to propose new climate policies, including a legally binding European Union target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040.

He also promised a plan to help countries adapt to worsening climate change, which is causing severe drought and deadly fires in EU countries including Spain and Greece.

Von der Leyen has come under pressure from some EU lawmakers to weaken parts of the European Green Agenda – including pressure from its own centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) group. However, her emphasis on helping European industries “remain competitive” may help prevent vote leaks among her conservative colleagues.

The German politician, a mother of seven and the first female head of the Commission, needs support from at least 361 lawmakers in the 720-member EU parliament.

In theory, the support of the EPP to which she belongs, as well as the support of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and that of the Centers and Liberals (Renew) are sufficient to achieve the goal. However, the vote is secret and MEPs could cross party lines and therefore not vote for it.

Irish centrist MEPs have expressed their disagreement with her re-election because of her stance on the Gaza Strip war. Their colleagues from France, although they belong to the European People’s Party, have also declared that they will not vote for her.

Georgia Meloni seems to want to decide by criteria the role of Rome the next day in the European Commission. The Prime Minister of Italy, as reported by the Italian Media, wants her country’s position in the European Union to be recognized, and is asking for strong portfolios like that of the Economy Commissioner.

If Ursula von der Leyen fails to be re-elected, the European Union will need to go back to the starting point of the process, so that it starts again. It will require the “27” to meet again in order to come up with a new candidate, with someone obvious, so far, not to exist.