Von der Leyen: economic growth and sustainability can go together in the EU 09:53 Abroad Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers her annual ‘speech from the throne’ in the European Parliament.

• Nisrine Sahla

  Editor Brussels

• Aida Brands

  editor Brussels

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized in her annual European ‘speech from the throne’, the State of the European Union, that Europe wants growth and sustainability to go hand in hand. The European Union remains ambitious on climate, she emphasizes. At the same time, she thanked farmers for providing us with food “every day.”

“I would like to thank them for providing us with food every day. That is not an easy task, given the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and climate change.” She said the EU must work with farmers to tackle these challenges. According to her, it is the only way to secure our food supply for the future.

Watch a summary of the speech here:

Von der Leyen looked further ahead. The elections for the European Parliament will be held next year, which means that the end of this Commission period is in sight. Von der Leyen took extensive time in her speech to highlight what the European Commission has achieved in recent years.

Unfair competition

But she also highlighted what she believes should be focused on over the next five years. She specifically mentioned electric cars from China. She wants to investigate whether China sells the cars with subsidies below cost price. That would create unfair competition with European car manufacturers. The EU could implement punitive measures following this investigation.

At the beginning of her speech, she also specifically focused on European youth. Von der Leyen emphasized that the voice of young people will determine the future.

Topics such as the climate, migration and artificial intelligence will be particularly important to them, according to Von der Leyen. “When I speak to the younger generation, I see a vision for a better future. The same fervent desire to build a better future.”

Migration

Von der Leyen also took the time to talk about migration. In particular, she mentioned the Tunisia deal, which was concluded in July. “We have signed an agreement with Tunisia that will deliver benefits for both the EU and Tunisia that go beyond migration. From energy and education to skills and security. And we want to enter into these agreements with other countries as well.” The European Parliament criticizes the Tunisia deal.

Ukraine

Just like last year, the Commission President paid extensive attention to the situation in Ukraine. Particular attention was paid to the young Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina. She fell victim to a Russian missile this summer during a dinner with colleagues. Von der Leyen wants an additional 50 billion euros to go to Ukraine for the reconstruction of the country.

Furthermore, Von der Leyen once again emphasized that Ukraine must join the EU. “The future of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans is in the EU.” According to her, it is in the EU’s strategic interest to allow countries to join the union. “We need to look at how we can achieve a successful expansion. Freedom of the press and an independent judiciary are essential.”

Reform of the EU

But the expansion of the EU will also have to be accompanied by reform, according to the Commission President. Because the more countries join the EU, the more difficult it will become to make decisions. In recent months there has been a lot of discussion about better decision-making within the EU. For example, some want the veto right of EU countries to be lifted. There is also discussion about a different distribution of European money and a different role for the European Parliament.

Some adjustments require a treaty amendment, which is often a very slow procedure. “A possible treaty change should not stand in the way of EU expansion,” Von der Leyen emphasized.