Ursula von der Leyen Champions Enhanced European Defense Amid Political Turmoil
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is set to embark on a crucial five-year term marked by calls for increased defense spending across Europe. This plea comes at a time when the EU grapples with significant challenges including the war in Ukraine, the unpredictable return of Donald Trump, and an ongoing climate crisis, all while concerns over economic stagnation loom large.
In a defining moment for von der Leyen's leadership and her newly appointed team of 26 commissioners, the European Parliament approved her executive with a slim majority of 370 votes in favor against 282 against. This slim margin marks the narrowest approval since the parliament gained the authority to endorse the EU executive in the 1990s, indicating a deeply divided political landscape.
"There is something wrong in the equation when Russia invests up to 9% of its GDP on defense while Europe stands at an average of only 1.9%," von der Leyen asserted, emphasizing the urgent need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities. With war raging at its borders, von der Leyen highlighted the necessity for collaboration with NATO, urging member states to invest massively in both security and prosperity.
The political dynamics within the European Parliament exhibit increasing polarization, with von der Leyen's executive team being characterized as the most right-leaning in the EU’s modern history. The coalition that secured the majority included the center-right European People's Party (EPP), Socialists, and centrist liberals, creating a scenario where alliances are frail and debate fierce.
The vote was not without controversy, as it overshadowed the prospects of key figures like Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera and Italy's Europe Minister Raffaele Fitto, who faced delays amid partisan disputes. Notably, Ribera's appointment was impeded by disagreements over responses to devastating floods in Spain, reflecting the fragile health of bipartisan cooperation within the EU.
Meanwhile, von der Leyen recognized the concerns of the Green group, which represents 53 MEPs but was also divided on their support for her commission. Her outreach, which included promising to maintain momentum on the European Green Deal, comes against the backdrop of significant pushback from agricultural interests and criticisms of EU targets aimed at phasing out the internal combustion engine by 2035.
Earlier this month, a report led by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi warned that Europe faces a slow, agonizing decline without decisive reforms. In response, von der Leyen has pledged to initiate a “competitiveness compass” to address the innovation deficit with global powerhouses like the U.S. and China, while also focusing on the decarbonization of Europe’s economy.
In anticipation of the challenges that lie ahead, especially regarding the European car industry’s competitiveness, she announced plans to spearhead discussions on the future of European automakers. Critics have pointed to the need for a more balanced approach between environmental objectives and economic viability amid rising competition from international players.
As the political climate in Europe continues to shift, Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, underscored the importance of collaboration, stating that "the center holds" despite the fragmentation. With a newly installed commission in place, the EU is gearing up to confront its most pressing issues while navigating a complex political landscape marked by divisions and emerging challenges.
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