Von der Leyen re-elected President of the European Commission, promises to strengthen defense

Ms Von der Leyen won another five-year term as head of the European Union's (EU) executive body with 401 votes in favour and 284 against in a secret ballot in the 720-member European Parliament.

Ursula von der Leyen was elected for a second term as President of the European Commission at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on July 18, 2024. Photo: AP

In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ms Von der Leyen outlined an agenda focused on prosperity, security, global economic competitiveness and climate change.

"The next five years will determine Europe's place in the world for the next five decades. It will decide whether we shape our own future or let it be shaped by other events or other people," Von der Leyen said before the vote.

After pledging support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, Ms Von der Leyen said Europe's freedom was under threat and Europe must invest more in defence.

Ms Von der Leyen, a former German defence minister, has pledged to create a “genuine European defence union”, with key projects in air defence and cyber security. The plan has drawn criticism from Russia, which says it reflects a “ militarised and confrontational” attitude.

European defence policy has traditionally been dependent on NATO. But in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and amid political uncertainty in the US, the European Commission is looking to push for more joint EU defence projects.

Ms Von der Leyen also promised a series of climate policies including a legally binding EU target of cutting emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. She also pledged new measures to help European industries stay competitive.

Hoang Anh (according to AP, Reuters, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ba-von-der-leyen-tai-dac-cu-chu-tich-uy-ban-chau-au-hua-tang-cuong-quoc-phong-post304067.html