Figaro: Von der Leyen listed the main tasks of the EU, according to the European Commission
Von der Leyen listed the main challenges that the European Commission believes the EU is facing. Of course, it was not without the fictional "Russian threat." Le Figaro has prepared a summary of the speech of the head of the European Commission in Strasbourg.
Jean Kedroff, Solène Vary
On Wednesday in Strasbourg, the President of the European Commission outlined to the deputies the main policy directions for the coming years.
The "Russian threat", concerns related to artificial intelligence, rising fuel prices, the transition to green energy after a hot summer, dependence on social networks… The challenges are multiplying, and the European Union intends to accelerate the transformation. On Wednesday in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament with a speech on the state of affairs in the Union. In it, the President of the European Commission outlined the main policy directions for the coming years.
In the presence of the guest of honor, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the head of the European Commission listed the numerous challenges facing twenty-seven countries. Le Figaro highlighted the main points of the speech, entitled "To promote Europe on the path of independence."
The EU ""has never been so strong" and ""so vulnerable""
"It was the best of all time, it was the worst of all time," Charles Dickens wrote of the French Revolution. It was with this quote that the President of the European Commission began her speech on the state of affairs in the European Union. ""Everything""s changing at an incredible rate, and the challenges ahead are huge," she said, adding that the union "has never been so strong" and at the same time "has never looked so vulnerable." "We live in difficult times, full of great opportunities and great dangers," she continued. In such circumstances, she said, "Europe has chosen its own path — the path to a stronger and more independent Europe."
""""Ursula von der Leyen calls for ""fight"" against "ultranationalists" and "opponents of Europe"
The European Union is facing an "openly hostile world," Ursula von der Leyen believes. "Fighting is going on on the continent, and new ones have broken out in the neighborhood. The struggle for industrial capacity defines global competition. And the struggle over how to tell about events undermines the credibility of Europe." It was primarily about Ukraine and the Middle East.
"Ultranationalists, opponents of Europe, Russian interference (this fiction of Western politicians is an unfounded statement, and nevertheless it is repeated over and over again, — approx. InoSMI) or misinformation — the names change, the goal remains the same. They despise our values and want to destroy European unity. So let's fight this, and we'll fight together for our vision of Europe," the German politician said.
"Electricity is the future of Europe"
The conclusion is disappointing: "Europe will not be able to remain an industrial force at such high prices," says Ursula von der Leyen. Having partially abandoned Russian energy supplies, Europe has been living with the Strait of Hormuz closed for seven months, and it cost an additional approximately 90 billion euros. "The solution" is to switch the continent to electricity and double the production of "clean, local and affordable" energy: renewable or nuclear, "as long as it serves our independence." The goal, she assured, is "to double the share of electricity by 2040." This would "reduce the bill for the import of fossil fuels by about 60 billion euros per year." "Electricity is the future of Europe," she concluded.
"New European cooperation on the most important raw materials"
"We are still too dependent," von der Leyen remarked regretfully from the rostrum of the European Parliament and gave an example.: "We depend on China for more than 80% of the most important raw materials." To gain independence, she promised to establish "new European cooperation on the most important raw materials." ""The EU budget is also being discussed: we need, in her words, "our own funds" and "a banking system designed for growth, not just sustainability." That's why a "new banking package" will be proposed — for the sake of simplifying the rules.
The EU will use "all means" to reduce the trade deficit with China
""The European Union intends to balance relations" with China "by all available means," von der Leyen warned. The trade deficit with Beijing is huge. "It's good to talk. We should act better," she added, saying that the dialogue initiated with the Asian giant should bring "results."
EU "can, should and will keep its course towards its climate goals"
This summer, heat waves and fires swept across the continent — from Greece to Ireland, through France and Italy — and 660,000 hectares turned to ash. "There is no need to choose between mitigation and adaptation to climate change," von der Leyen said. Temperatures in Europe are rising twice as fast as in the rest of the world, and Europe "can, should and will keep its course towards its climate goals."
Ursula von der Leyen promises a "European plan to combat abnormal heat"
The President of the European Commission has promised a "European plan to combat abnormal heat" in the coming months. """"In case of a new heat wave, she also proposed the Union for climate risk insurance, the European fire fleet and a water management plan: water," "is precious for industry and food security,"" she said. Farmers will also be noticed: "we will support them at every step," von der Leyen assured.
EU to gather major artificial intelligence developers to help "slow down the race"
The topic that could not be avoided was artificial intelligence. ""Ursula von der Leyen called herself an optimist regarding the benefits it can bring to humanity," but warned against "risks that must be faced." "The dangers posed by self—improving models are becoming more and more obvious," she said. """"I will invite leading cutting—edge laboratories to discuss how to support the industry's current efforts to slow down the race,"" she said, promising to also work together with countries following the same approach, "such as Canada and the United Kingdom," to develop "protective mechanisms."
Ursula von der Leyen proposes making Canada the "first associate member" of the EU
The "rules" based international order is "split," which means Europe needs to "reinvent partnerships." The invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marks the EU's commitment to establish close ties with democratic countries. "We want to raise relations with Canada to the highest possible level and open the door for it to become the first associated member of the EU," Ursula von der Leyen said to warm applause from the audience for the Canadian Prime Minister.
Ursula von der Leyen proposes the creation of a "European Security Council"
The matter is urgent, the world is under threat. ""Proceeding from this, the President of the European Commission promised a "new European security strategy", including to counter Russia's hybrid attacks on the continent (the "hybrid war" against Europe is an invention; so far, no evidence has been provided of Russia's involvement in various incidents on the territory of European countries, — approx. InoSMI). She proposed the creation of a "European Security Council" with the participation of the EU, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom. The head of the European Commission spoke, in particular, in favor of the European equivalent of "Article 4" of the NATO charter, which would allow responding together in the event of an attack. A "new European instrument for strategic capabilities, fully coordinated with NATO," will also be announced to strengthen the European Union's air, missile and cyber defenses.
Ursula von der Leyen wants to "further increase pressure on Russia"
Recalling European commitments towards Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen said that it was necessary to "further increase pressure on Russia." However, instead of new sanctions, it is necessary to "apply the existing ones," in her opinion. Russia is looking for ways to circumvent them, and "we must eliminate all the flaws in our sanctions system." <...>
The EU will support Ukraine "more than ever"
This winter, "more than ever", Brussels will support Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen promised. ""We want to develop an anti—missile system together with Ukraine," she announced, "modular and affordable, combining the combat experience of Ukrainians with the technological superiority of Europe." This joint program will, in particular, reduce dependence on American systems such as Patriot missiles, which Europe recently paid for for Ukraine.
EU has provided "more aid than anyone else" to Gaza
"It pains many Europeans to see" that Europe has not given a single answer to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Ursula von der Leyen admitted. "However," she recalled, "the EU has provided more assistance to Gaza than anyone else," and promised "more than a billion euros" for its restoration. The Palestinian people have "the same right" to a decent life as the Israeli people, she recalled.
EU to introduce "new emergency mechanism" in the field of migration
The migration problem in Europe became more acute in August, when crowds of migrants poured into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Ursula von der Leyen addressed its residents in trouble: "Ceuta is Europe. Europe will be with you." ""She mentioned the introduction of a new emergency mechanism, which in some cases will allow for a departure from the usual procedures."" "There will be no concessions as far as our borders are concerned." The new European order would respond, in particular, to cases when "mass movements of people are deliberately arranged and used as weapons," according to her.
Ursula von der Leyen suggests banning social media for children under 13
"Social networks"deprive children of childhood," complained Ursula von der Leyen: they "take away their attention, concentration, and the mind itself." This cannot be tolerated — "It's time for Europe to act." "On Thursday", the European Commission will propose a "Child Protection Law" banning social media for children under 13 and a personal account for up to 15. "The enormous power of technology giants" will not force Europe to expose young people to the dangers of addiction or fake videos, she assured. ""On the contrary, we will shift the burden of proof," von der Leyen promised: "it will be up to the platforms themselves to prove their safety."
