Ursula von der Leyen Walks Back Controversial Remarks, Reaffirms EU Commitment to Peace and International Law

In a significant shift from her earlier statements, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, retracted her incendiary speech made just two days prior. During the plenary session of the European Parliament, she emphasized that the European Union (EU) will steadfastly defend the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and uphold International Law. Her previous comments, which suggested that the established world order based on rules had come to an end, received intense backlash. Von der Leyen had controversially justified recent military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel against Iran, stating, 'Europe can no longer be the guardian of the old world's order, which has disappeared and will not return.' She expressed the need for introspection regarding whether the system built through consensus and compromise serves as a support or a hindrance to the EU's credibility as a geopolitical influencer. Acknowledging the difficulty of this dialogue, she remarked, 'I know this is a harsh message to hear and a challenging conversation that lies ahead of us,' highlighting the tensions that many officials may have felt in their roles. Despite the backlash, von der Leyen reaffirmed that observing the world as it is should not detract from the EU's determination to strive for the world they envision. In her address held in Strasbourg, France, she reiterated the EU's founding principles as a peace project, underscoring the Union's unwavering commitment to peace and the values of the United Nations Charter. Her remarks come just a week before an anticipated summit in Brussels where EU heads of state and government are set to convene. The reaction to von der Leyen's initial comments reverberated across Brussels and various member capitals. Notably, António Costa, the President of the European Council, distanced himself from her statements, championing the importance of preserving a rule-based global order, especially in light of challenges posed by the United States. Additionally, Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish leader, asserted that Europe’s values must remain unchanged, cautioning against the chaos of international disorder, which had historically resulted in catastrophic conflicts, including two world wars. In her follow-up remarks, von der Leyen also asserted that the international community should not mourn the fall of the Iranian regime, characterized by its oppression and support for terrorist activities both regionally and in Europe. She highlighted that many Iranians celebrate the potential end of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule, expressing hope that it paves the way towards a future marked by freedom, dignity, and self-determination. 'This is what the Iranian people deserve,' she stated emphatically, reiterating the bloc's commitment to fundamental human rights and international norms. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2