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Von der Leyen: plan to rearm Europe and flexibility for the automotive industry

European Commission President announces measures to strengthen defence and sustainable mobility

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced today that she will present a plan to rearm Europe ahead of the next European Council. In a statement to the press in Brussels, she stressed the importance of a ‘massive increase in defence’ to ensure ‘lasting peace’ in Ukraine and the rest of Europe. ‘Lasting peace is built only by force,’ he said, indicating that the plan would be shared with member states tomorrow through an official letter.

The plan to rearm Europe

Von der Leyen made it clear that the strengthening of European defence is a strategic necessity to face the current challenges. The plan, which will be discussed with European leaders, aims to ensure the security and stability of the continent. She emphasised that strength starts with strengthening internal defence capabilities, adding: ‘This is the purpose of the plan I will present tomorrow.

Flexibility for the automotive industry

In addition to the defence issue, von der Leyen also announced a ‘targeted amendment’ to the European Co2 emission standards for vehicles. During a strategic dialogue with the automotive sector, he acknowledged the difficulties the industry is facing in the transition to cleaner mobility and proposed to lengthen compliance times.

Under the new plan, car companies will have three years to meet emission reduction targets, instead of the current annual compliance. ‘We have to listen to requests for more flexibility,’ said von der Leyen, emphasising that despite the extended timeframe, the emission reduction targets will remain unchanged.

A balance between pragmatism and sustainability

She explained that this balanced approach will allow the industry more breathing space without compromising its sustainability commitments. ‘It means more clarity for industry, without changing the agreed targets,’ she said, adding that she is confident that the proposal will be approved quickly by the European Parliament and the Council.

With these statements, Ursula von der Leyen has drawn a clear line both for the future of European defence and for environmental sustainability, trying to balance the continent’s economic and security needs.

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