"It is time for Europe to once again think big and write our own destiny!”
Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the Union speech this week.
In her State of the Union speech, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyden covered many important issues from the Green Deal and EU’s support for farmers to Migration, AI, Ukraine and Enlargement.
Barbara Nolan, Head of EC Representation in Dublin said:
President von der Leyden started her address to the European Parliament yesterday morning with a pledge that Europe’s green transition will be powered by Europe’s industry and state-subsidised products from outside the Union will not be allowed to undercut European companies.
Referencing recent events of “chaos and carnage” caused by ravaging wildfires and devastating floods, she said “This is the reality of a boiling planet. The European Green Deal was born out of this necessity to protect our planet. And this is why, as we enter the next phase of the European Green Deal, one thing will never change. We will keep supporting European industry throughout this transition.”
The President emphasised that farming and the protection of nature can go hand in hand and pledged EU’s continued support for farmers. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to our farmers, to thank them for providing us with food day after day. For us in Europe, this task of agriculture — producing healthy food — is the foundation of our agricultural policy. It is not always an easy task, as the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, climate change bringing droughts, forest fires and flooding, and new obligations are all having a growing impact on farmers’ work and incomes.
“Many are already working towards a more sustainable form of agriculture. We must work together with the men and women in farming to tackle these new challenges. That is the only way to secure the supply of food for the future. We need more dialogue and less polarisation.
“That is why we want to launch a strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU”.
The President called for a new “global framework” to control the development of artificial intelligence. She proposed to set up a global panel of experts who can provide knowledge on the risks and benefits of AI including its impact on society.
She urged the European states to adopt swiftly the proposed European Pact on migration and called for legislation and more international cooperation to fight against human smugglers.
“Let us show that Europe can manage migration effectively and with compassion.
“Let’s get this done!”
As expected, President von der Leyden was steadfast in promising Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
“We will be at Ukraine’s side every step of the way. For as long as it takes.”
She also announced that the Commission will propose the extension of the temporary protection to Ukrainians in the EU.
“Our support to Ukraine will endure”.
The President also called for a further enlargement of the European Union with membership of 30 plus countries.
“A Union complete with over 500 million people living in a free, democratic and prosperous Union.
“It is time for Europe to once again think big and write our own destiny!
