STRASBOURG (AFP) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday made her final pitch to win European Union (EU) lawmakers’ backing for a second term, vowing to bolster Europe’s defence and strengthening its industry through greater investment.
The EU chief is seeking to convince a wide spectrum of political parties, from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party to the Greens, to support her in a vote.
Von der Leyen’s promises sometimes appeared contradictory in the hour-long speech in the European Parliament during which she delivered an expansive road map for what her second five-year term would look like.
She vowed to boost Europe’s competitiveness and ensure significant investment in key industries including defence. But she also insisted the EU would not swerve from ambitious climate goals that include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040.
She said she would work on a new “clean industrial deal” to “help bring down energy bills” and focus on developing an “affordable housing plan”.
To get a second term she needs at least 361 votes in the 720-seat parliament, which is holding its first sitting in Strasbourg, France since EU-wide elections in June.
With conflicts in and near Europe, von der Leyen insisted on the need for a “strong Europe” during a “period of deep anxiety and uncertainty”.
She presented herself as the best and most experienced captain to steer the commission.
She called for an “immediate and enduring ceasefire” in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, calling for the “bloodshed” to “stop now”.
The EU lawmakers’ vote on her future will be held by secret ballot.
