Ursula von der Leyen has been elected for a second term as President of the European Commission. Her candidacy was supported by a majority of MEPs at the plenary session in Strasbourg – 401 people. The votes were counted at lightning speed. In her speech before the election, she outlined a plan for the next five years. The official announced that she will continue to push for the implementation of the Green Deal. On Wednesday, July 18, von der Leyen presented “a vision that ensures prosperity, that protects people and that defends democracy, a stronger Europe that ensures social justice and supports people, a stronger Europe that implements what it agrees to in a fair way and that sticks to the goals of the European Green Deal with pragmatism, technological neutrality and innovation”.
Ursula von der Leyen wants to continue the Green Deal. And introduce a Clean Industrial Deal
The head of the EC also announced that in the first hundred days new term of office of the Commission will propose the so-called Clean Industrial Deal.
Europe is decarbonising and industrialising at the same time. Our companies need predictability for their investments and innovations. Yes, they can rely on us. Following this path, we will anchor our 90 percent CO2 reduction target by 2040 in European climate law
– declared the President of the European Commission.
The head of the European Commission wants to strengthen European companies
Ursula von der Leyen also declared that the aim of her second term will be to increase the competitiveness of the European economy. This is to be achieved through a package of solutions reducing the level of bureaucracy developed by each of the commissioners. This work is to be coordinated by a specially appointed vice-president of the Commission.
I believe we need a new approach to competition, more focused on our common goals and more supportive of companies growing in global markets. At the same time, we need to ensure a level playing field
– said von der Leyen, quoted by Reuters.
The new approach should be reflected in how mergers are assessed, she added, to take into account innovation and the ability to adapt to the market. Reuters notes that telecoms companies have long been pushing the EU to loosen merger rules, while EU competition watchdogs fear that the move could reduce the number of players in the European communications market from four to just three.
Von der Leyen also announced that EU antitrust authorities will step up enforcement of the Digital Markets Act, which aims to curb the power of Big Tech. The same applies to the Digital Services Act, which requires intermediaries and online platforms to step up protection for users against illegal and harmful content.
Ursula von der Leyen wants to meet the European Parliament's demand. EU funds are to be linked to the rule of law
The head of the European Commission also made a nod to the European Parliament, which demands that European funds be made dependent on the rule of law. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized her commitment to the principles governments law and the fight against corruption.
We will strengthen our tools and step up enforcement. We will ensure that rule of law reporting focuses on the single market to support the protection of businesses. We will maintain a very clear rule in our budget. Respect for the rule of law is a must for [otrzymania] EU funds. In this budget and in the future
– declared the German politician.