On a day marked by considerable reflection and determination, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, addressed the European Parliament, focusing on key issues impacting Hungary, Ukraine and the European Union as a whole. In a tone of solidarity and unity, she highlighted the importance of collective action to address the urgent challenges of our time: from climate change and migration to competitiveness and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The consequences of extreme weather conditions in Central Europe
The speech opened with von der Leyen expressing solidarity with Hungary and Central Europe after the devastating floods, which delayed the meeting for three weeks. She described the extreme weather conditions as a consequence of climate change, noting that “five months of rain have fallen on the central region.” Europe in just four days. The scale of the flooding was unprecedented, causing the destruction of monuments, crops and industries throughout the region, particularly in Budapest.
However, amid this devastation, von der Leyen praised the resilience of the Hungarian people: “In these three weeks, we have seen the Hungarian people roll up their sleeves and help each other. ” She stressed that Europe would stand alongside Hungary, saying: “The European Union is here for the Hungarian people in this emergency and beyond. » The European Commission had already mobilized its Copernicus satellites to help with rescue efforts, and Hungary was encouraged to access the EU Solidarity Fund to rebuild.
Supporting Ukraine during its harshest winter
Von der Leyen shifted attention to Ukraine, a country entering its third winter of war with Russia. The situation has worsened as Russia continues its attacks, launching more than 1,300 drones into Ukrainian cities in the past month alone, targeting critical energy infrastructure and causing widespread destruction. In a powerful rebuke to those who downplay Russian aggression, von der Leyen asked: “Will they ever blame the Hungarians for the Soviet invasion in 1956?” Could they ever blame the Czechs or Slovaks for the Soviet repression of 1968? » She stressed that the Ukrainian people are freedom fighters, just like the heroes who liberated the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Europe under Soviet domination.
Europe’s response to the war is unwavering. Von der Leyen announced that the EU, alongside the G7, had pledged 50 billion euros for Ukraine, including 35 billion euros in the form of loans to support the country’s national budget. Importantly, these loans would be repaid through windfall profits generated by the tied up Russian assets. “We are making Russia pay for the damage it has caused,” she said, emphasizing Europe’s continued support for Ukraine “throughout this winter and for as long as it takes.” “.
Improving European competitiveness
The next priority of von der Leyen’s speech focused on improving European competitiveness. She discussed the Draghi report, which provides a roadmap to strengthen the EU’s economic future. The main concern raised was the “innovation gap” between Europe and other major economies, particularly in the digital space. “Too many of our innovative companies have to turn to the United States or Asia to finance their expansion,” she noted, stressing that if European households have 300 billion euros in savings, a large part is invested outside the continent.
Von der Leyen proposed a solution: the creation of a Savings and Investment Union, aimed at removing barriers that prevent businesses from expanding beyond European borders. To boost competitiveness, she suggested reducing regulatory burdens, particularly in sectors like finance and digital technologies.
However, the president took a strong stance against Hungary’s current policies, criticizing the Hungarian government for its discriminatory practices against European companies. She questioned how Hungary could hope to attract investment when it imposes arbitrary export restrictions, discriminatory taxes and allows corruption to flourish in public procurement. “This creates uncertainty and undermines investor confidence,” she warned, pointing out that Hungary’s GDP per capita was lower than that of its Central European neighbors.
Decarbonization and energy security
Von der Leyen also addressed the issue of decarbonization, a vital part of Europe’s journey towards sustainability. In light of the ongoing war, she reminded Parliament of the commitment made by 27 EU leaders at Versailles to diversify away from Russian fossil fuels. “A thousand days later, Europe has indeed diversified,” she said, with half of Europe’s electricity production now coming from renewable energy sources. However, she condemned member states that still rely on Russian fossil fuels, stating unequivocally that “Russia has proven time and time again that it is simply not a reliable supplier.”
His message was clear: energy security is synonymous with European security. Europe must continue its transition to clean, local energy, creating jobs within the EU rather than sending money to Russia.
Migration: a challenge for Europe
Migration remained a key topic of von der Leyen’s speech. Recognizing that this is a “European challenge that requires a European response”, she stressed the importance of implementing the recently adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. The EU already works with member states at its external borders, but von der Leyen expressed concern about Hungary’s approach to the migration issue. She pointed out that Hungarian authorities had released convicted smugglers and traffickers from prison before they had served their sentences, undermining European efforts to combat illegal immigration. “It is not a question of fighting against illegal immigration in Europe. This does not protect our Union,” she criticized.
Furthermore, von der Leyen highlighted the security risks posed by the Hungarian visa system, which allowed Russian nationals to enter the EU without proper security checks. She also questioned the Hungarian government’s decision to allow Chinese police to operate within its borders, calling the actions threats to European sovereignty.
A call for European unity
Von der Leyen concluded his speech with a powerful call for European unity, recalling the words spoken by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in 2011, when Hungary first held the presidency of the Council of the EU: “We will follow the traces of the revolutionaries of 1956. We intend to serve the cause of European unity. Reaffirming that “Europe must remain united,” she addressed the Hungarian people directly, saying: “Your history is our history. Your future is our future. 10 million Hungarians are 10 million good reasons to continue to shape our future together.”
At this critical moment for Europe, von der Leyen’s speech served as both a warning and a reminder of the values that unite the European Union: solidarity, unity and a common commitment to freedom and democracy.
Originally published in The European Times.
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