Von der Leyen Outlines Plans for Second European Commission Term
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Factbox-Von Der Leyen's Plans for Second European Commission Term
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the following pledges on Thursday as she sought approval from members of the European Parliament for a second term at the helm of the European Union's powerful executive body. DEFENCE AND SECURITY - Build a "true European Defence Union" and create a single market for defence products and services. - Propose Defence Projects of Common European Interest starting with a European Air Shield and cyber defence. - Appoint a Commissioner for Defence, who will coordinate efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industrial base. - Present a White Paper on the Future of European Defence in the next Commission's first 100 days. - More than double the staff of European police agency Europol. ECONOMIC POLICY - Create a European Savings and Investments Union, including banking and capital markets to leverage private savings to invest in innovation and clean and digital transitions. - Establish a European Competitiveness Fund as part of the EU's next long-term budget, starting in 2028. The fund, of unspecified size and financing method, is to invest in strategic technologies like Artificial Intelligence, space, clean tech and biotechnology and support European projects of common interest. COMPETITIVENESS, FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY - Present a "Clean Deal Industrial Deal" in the next Commission's first 100 days to ensure the EU is making the products it requires for its green transition and reduces its reliance on imports from China. - Increase the share of renewables in EU electricity power generation beyond its current 50% and make it easier for banks and investors to finance fast-growing companies and steer private savings into the green and digital transitions. - Revise Public Procurement Directive to enable preference for European products in strategic sectors. - Formulate new economic foreign policy that forges critical mineral partnerships, drives investment in Africa, Asia and Latin America and guards against technology leakage. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY - Propose a legally-binding EU target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. - Focus on ensuring countries can fulfil the EU's existing CO2-cutting policies. - Von der Leyen indicated she plans to maintain a contentious policy to ban sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035. But her policy document said the law would be tweaked to confirm cars running on e-fuels can still be sold after 2035. - Present plan to help countries adapt to worsening climate change, which is hitting EU countries like Spain and Greece with severe drought and wildfires. - Extend EU's joint purchasing scheme for gas to include hydrogen and critical raw materials. MIGRATION - Triple the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30,000. - Develop new EU Visa Policy Strategy "to better secure borders and manage migration". - Appoint a Commissioner for the Mediterranean and establish a Pact for the Mediterranean with countries in the region. - Present new common approach on return of migrants, with new legislation "to speed up and simplify the process". OTHER POLICY AREAS - Appoint a commissioner whose responsibilities will include housing and put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan. - Appoint a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement to help bring candidate countries closer to EU membership. (Reporting by Kate Abnett, Philip Blenkinsop, Andrew Gray, Marine Strauss and Jan Strupczewski,)
[2]
Factbox-Von der Leyen's plans for second European Commission term
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the following pledges on Thursday as she sought approval from members of the European Parliament for a second term at the helm of the European Union's powerful executive body. DEFENCE AND SECURITY - Build a "true European Defence Union" and create a single market for defence products and services. - Propose Defence Projects of Common European Interest starting with a European Air Shield and cyber defence. - Appoint a Commissioner for Defence, who will coordinate efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industrial base. - Present a White Paper on the Future of European Defence in the next Commission's first 100 days. - More than double the staff of European police agency Europol. ECONOMIC POLICY - Create a European Savings and Investments Union, including banking and capital markets to leverage private savings to invest in innovation and clean and digital transitions. - Establish a European Competitiveness Fund as part of the EU's next long-term budget, starting in 2028. The fund, of unspecified size and financing method, is to invest in strategic technologies like Artificial Intelligence, space, clean tech and biotechnology and support European projects of common interest. COMPETITIVENESS, FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY - Present a "Clean Deal Industrial Deal" in the next Commission's first 100 days to ensure the EU is making the products it requires for its green transition and reduces its reliance on imports from China. - Increase the share of renewables in EU electricity power generation beyond its current 50% and make it easier for banks and investors to finance fast-growing companies and steer private savings into the green and digital transitions. - Revise Public Procurement Directive to enable preference for European products in strategic sectors. - Formulate new economic foreign policy that forges critical mineral partnerships, drives investment in Africa, Asia and Latin America and guards against technology leakage. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY - Propose a legally-binding EU target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. - Focus on ensuring countries can fulfil the EU's existing CO2-cutting policies. - Von der Leyen indicated she plans to maintain a contentious policy to ban sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035. But her policy document said the law would be tweaked to confirm cars running on e-fuels can still be sold after 2035. - Present plan to help countries adapt to worsening climate change, which is hitting EU countries like Spain and Greece with severe drought and wildfires. - Extend EU's joint purchasing scheme for gas to include hydrogen and critical raw materials. MIGRATION - Triple the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30,000. - Develop new EU Visa Policy Strategy "to better secure borders and manage migration". - Appoint a Commissioner for the Mediterranean and establish a Pact for the Mediterranean with countries in the region. - Present new common approach on return of migrants, with new legislation "to speed up and simplify the process". OTHER POLICY AREAS - Appoint a commissioner whose responsibilities will include housing and put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan. - Appoint a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement to help bring candidate countries closer to EU membership. (Reporting by Kate Abnett, Philip Blenkinsop, Andrew Gray, Marine Strauss and Jan Strupczewski,)
[3]
Factbox-Von der Leyen's plans for second European Commission term
- Build a "true European Defence Union" and create a single market for defence products and services. - Propose Defence Projects of Common European Interest starting with a European Air Shield and cyber defence. - Appoint a Commissioner for Defence, who will coordinate efforts to strengthen Europe's defence industrial base. - Present a White Paper on the Future of European Defence in the next Commission's first 100 days. - More than double the staff of European police agency Europol. ECONOMIC POLICY - Create a European Savings and Investments Union, including banking and capital markets to leverage private savings to invest in innovation and clean and digital transitions. - Establish a European Competitiveness Fund as part of the EU's next long-term budget, starting in 2028. The fund, of unspecified size and financing method, is to invest in strategic technologies like Artificial Intelligence, space, clean tech and biotechnology and support European projects of common interest. COMPETITIVENESS, FOREIGN ECONOMIC POLICY - Present a "Clean Deal Industrial Deal" in the next Commission's first 100 days to ensure the EU is making the products it requires for its green transition and reduces its reliance on imports from China. - Increase the share of renewables in EU electricity power generation beyond its current 50% and make it easier for banks and investors to finance fast-growing companies and steer private savings into the green and digital transitions. - Revise Public Procurement Directive to enable preference for European products in strategic sectors. - Formulate new economic foreign policy that forges critical mineral partnerships, drives investment in Africa, Asia and Latin America and guards against technology leakage. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY - Propose a legally-binding EU target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. - Focus on ensuring countries can fulfil the EU's existing CO2-cutting policies. - Von der Leyen indicated she plans to maintain a contentious policy to ban sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035. But her policy document said the law would be tweaked to confirm cars running on e-fuels can still be sold after 2035. - Present plan to help countries adapt to worsening climate change, which is hitting EU countries like Spain and Greece with severe drought and wildfires. - Extend EU's joint purchasing scheme for gas to include hydrogen and critical raw materials. MIGRATION - Triple the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30,000. - Develop new EU Visa Policy Strategy "to better secure borders and manage migration". - Appoint a Commissioner for the Mediterranean and establish a Pact for the Mediterranean with countries in the region. - Present new common approach on return of migrants, with new legislation "to speed up and simplify the process". OTHER POLICY AREAS - Appoint a commissioner whose responsibilities will include housing and put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan. - Appoint a dedicated Commissioner for Enlargement to help bring candidate countries closer to EU membership. (Reporting by Kate Abnett, Philip Blenkinsop, Andrew Gray, Marine Strauss and Jan Strupczewski,)
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announces her bid for a second term, outlining ambitious plans for the EU's future. Her agenda focuses on economic competitiveness, climate action, and strategic autonomy.
Von der Leyen Seeks Second Term as European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission, has officially announced her candidacy for a second term, setting the stage for a potential continuation of her leadership in the European Union's executive body
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. As she seeks re-election, von der Leyen has outlined an ambitious agenda that aims to address key challenges facing the EU and strengthen its position on the global stage.Economic Competitiveness and Innovation
A cornerstone of von der Leyen's proposed second term is the focus on boosting the EU's economic competitiveness. She has emphasized the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy that would leverage the bloc's strengths in key sectors. This includes plans to enhance the EU's capabilities in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies
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.Climate Action and Green Transition
Building on her first term's European Green Deal, von der Leyen has pledged to accelerate the EU's transition to a low-carbon economy. Her plans include further investments in renewable energy, the promotion of circular economy principles, and the implementation of more stringent environmental regulations. She aims to position the EU as a global leader in climate action while ensuring a just transition for affected industries and workers
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.Strategic Autonomy and Global Partnerships
Von der Leyen has emphasized the importance of enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy, particularly in critical areas such as energy, technology, and defense. She proposes strengthening the EU's partnerships with like-minded countries while also developing the bloc's capacity to act independently when necessary. This includes plans for a more robust European defense industry and efforts to reduce dependencies on external suppliers for critical resources
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.Related Stories
Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity
Recognizing the increasing importance of the digital realm, von der Leyen's agenda includes a strong focus on digital transformation across the EU. She plans to invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital skills among EU citizens, and strengthen the bloc's cybersecurity capabilities. This includes proposals for new regulations to protect EU citizens' data and combat online disinformation
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.Social Policies and Inclusivity
Von der Leyen has also outlined plans to address social challenges within the EU. Her proposals include measures to combat youth unemployment, promote gender equality, and strengthen social protection systems across member states. She aims to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and technological advancements are shared equitably among all EU citizens
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.As von der Leyen presents her vision for a second term, she faces the challenge of building consensus among EU member states and navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. The coming months will be crucial as she seeks to garner support for her candidacy and her ambitious agenda for the future of the European Union.
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