- Ursula von der Leyen presented her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Europe before the vote.
- One of the points of her speech was agriculture, her plans and goals in this regard.
Europe's competitiveness
Von der Leyen presented her priorities. Key initiatives include the new Green Deal Industrial Plan to accelerate carbon neutrality and industrial growth, and the European Competitiveness Fund to boost innovation. Europe is decarbonizing and industrializing at the same time. We must continue to push for lower energy prices. Half of the electricity used in Europe already comes from clean, renewable sources. We already have more investment in clean hydrogen than the US and China combined. We strive to end the era of dependence on Russia once and for all, she emphasized.
She also emphasized that each of her future commissioners will have a priority to reduce bureaucracy in the field in which he will operate.
We know that there is no Europe without small and medium-sized enterprises, she noted.
Security and border defense, cybersecurity
Von der Leyen said she would increase security by doubling the number of Europol staff and tripling the number of the European Border and Coast Guard to 30,000.
– The European Shield and a common air defense system are a strong symbol of European unity in terms of defense – she said, adding that the EU's external borders must be strengthened. They are exposed to Russian provocations, hybrid attacks, manipulations and information interference are ongoing.
Migration, help to Ukraine, end of the conflict in the Middle East
Better protected borders means better handling of migration, she added. She also announced the need to maintain solidarity among EU countries on migration issues. She stressed her full support for further support for Ukraine, saying we must give her everything to win. For the first time in decades, our freedom is at risk.
She also referred to the conflict in the Middle East.
The bloodshed in Gaza must end. Europe must play its part. We will do even more to increase humanitarian aid and support Palestinian autonomy. A two-state solution is best for security in the Middle East, she added.
Farmers are the face of Europe. Will there be a Green New Deal?
Before the vote, the chairwoman also addressed her message to farmers. She emphasized how important they are in the production and supply of food. She guaranteed the continuation of the dialogue.
Europe offers an unprecedented quality of life, availability of food and excellent, high-quality products. The future of agriculture is a particularly important topic for us. We need to make sure that we come up with good solutions together. That is why I started a dialogue on the future of agriculture in Europe. This is a dialogue that brings together farmers, environmental groups and supply chain experts at one table. I promised myself to learn a lot from these conversations, to listen carefully, and that's exactly what I'm doing.
Guarantee of fair income for agricultural produce
It seems that a review of the Green Deal is already underway somewhere behind the scenes. von der Leyen's announcements of actions also revolve around strengthening the position of farmers in the supply chain.
– We will present a new strategy for agriculture and the agri-food sector. I will get involved to ensure that farmers have a guaranteed fair income. It should not be the case that high-quality products are sold below production costs. We must protect farmers throughout the entire agri-food supply chain. We need incentives to deal with nature wisely. This must be rewarded, she said.
– Farmers are the face of Europe, they are part of our culture, they guarantee our food security and food supplies. That's why we're all proud of them. We have to solve the problems they experience, they also feel climate change, and this must be taken into account.
The approach to water resources and optimal water management will also be important. – Agriculture and our survival depend on water.
Just transition, social support, housing crisis
Von der Leyen also announced the fight against poverty and ensuring that the transformation of Europe does not harm the poorest and does not increase polarization between social groups. She also emphasized that Europe must overcome the housing crisis that affects an increasing number of countries, announcing at the same time the European Housing Plan.
The new commissioner roles she announced include housing to address the continent's housing crisis; the Mediterranean area to promote regional stability and cooperation; and intergenerational equity to ensure that policies take into account the needs of future generations.
