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Von der Leyen: ‘Europe stronger with ReArmEu plan and new alliances’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presents plans for stronger defence and greater international cooperation, focusing on new trade partnerships and economic initiatives to ensure security and competitiveness
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, declared that the European Union is ready to respond to the current challenges with ‘speed and determination’ during the press conference of the first 100 days of her second term. Von der Leyen emphasised the importance of building ‘a stronger, more prosperous and safer Europe’ and presented the ReArmEu plan, which could be the linchpin for the creation of a common European defence.
The ReArmEu plan, she explained, aims to exploit all available resources in the face of concrete threats, allowing the Union to also cooperate with partners such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Canada to maximise defence potential. For von der Leyen, defence and economy go hand in hand: ‘Europe’s economic strength is an asset for its security, but also vice versa. Accelerated investment in new military technologies, infrastructure and digitisation could strengthen strategic sectors, bringing long-term competitiveness.
Another central aspect of the plan envisages a new EUR 150 billion financial instrument, Safe (Security Action For Europe), to promote joint arms procurement by member states. Furthermore, von der Leyen announced the convening of a ‘security college’ to ensure that all strategic areas of the Union are coordinated and ready to respond to threats.
Von der Leyen also took stock of the new trade partnerships launched under his mandate, including agreements with Switzerland, Mexico and Mercosur, which create a market of 700 million consumers and strengthen Europe’s economic position. In addition, she highlighted the importance of cooperation with India and the rekindling of negotiations with Malaysia and the Caribbean countries (Caricom).
On the subject of migrants, the president anticipated the presentation of a new European return system, scheduled for Tuesday in Strasbourg. This will include common standards and simpler rules to facilitate the return of third-country nationals who have no right to remain in the EU. Von der Leyen stressed that the system will be implemented in full compliance with international law and fundamental rights.
Finally, by the end of the month, a plan will be presented for the creation of a European Savings and Investment Union, which is necessary to turn savings into key investments, and to relaunch projects related to the banking union and capital markets, which have been blocked for years.
On the relations front with the United States, von der Leyen confirmed that talks with President Donald Trump are already underway, with a desire to strengthen ties between the two powers.
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(Photo: © AndKronos)
