It’s a “key moment of European democracy”, according to the European Parliament. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered, on Wednesday, September 14, before MEPs in Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin), her third “speech on the state of the Union”. The war in Ukraine, but also the resulting energy crisis, were at the heart of his speech. Here is what to remember from the nearly hour-long speech by the leader, who is not elected but who has the initiative for European laws.
A tribute to Ukraine and to European solidarity
The war in Ukraine largely permeated the speech of the head of the European executive, dressed for the occasion in the colors of the country’s flag. Ursula von der Leyen notably honored the Ukrainian First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to whom MEPs reserved a standing ovation in the hemicycle. “I stand here in front of you with the conviction that, thanks to our courage and our solidarity, Putin will fail and Europe will win”, she said. The President of the Commission admitted that the EU “should have listened to those who know [Vladimir] Cheese fries”in particular the “Russian journalists who exposed his crimes and paid the price”.
To the applause of parliamentarians, the head of the European executive welcomed the impact of European sanctions on the Russian economy, promising that “the sanctions are there and will stay”. “We must be determined, we must not seek appeasement”, she added, recalling the promise of new aid amounting to 5 billion euros for kyiv and new aid to rebuild the country’s schools. Ursula von der Leyen, who will travel to kyiv during the day, also insisted on her willingness to offer Ukraine “barrier-free access to the single market” and announced the end of roaming charges for Europeans in Ukraine.
Announcements to slow soaring energy prices
Ursula von der Leyen was eagerly awaited on the subject, while the problems ofsupply related to the war in Ukraine are causing energy prices to soar. In particular, she promised to reform the European electricity market, which she described as“unsuitable”, by declaring: “Electricity prices need to be decoupled from the dominant influence of gas.” At present, itIt is the cost price of the last source of production mobilized to balance electricity supply and demand, generally gas-fired power stations, which determines the price imposed on all operators. A major problem as Russia cuts its gas exports to the EU. The discussions of the Twenty-Seven on this subject should be animated, certain countries being resistant to any change.
The head of the European executive also announced her desire to cap the super-profits of electricity producers based on renewable and nuclear energies. This would raise “more than 140 billion euros” for the states of the European Union, which could redistribute them to vulnerable households and businesses, she said. The Commission also wants to set a binding target for States to reduce their electricity consumption “by at least 5%” during a set number of peak hours when electricity is most expensive.
A reminder of the importance of the fight against global warming
Ursula von der Leyen recalled “significance” of the European Green Deal. This agreement between the Twenty-Seven aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. She also promised to accelerate the development of renewable energies and announced the creation of a fund for green hydrogen of 3 billion euros but also the constitution of strategic reserves of rare earths and lithium, whose global supply is controlled by China.
The purchase of planes to fight the fires
After a scorching summer when many Member States, including France, were affected by fires, Ursula von der Leyen announced the doubling of its fleet of planes intended to fight the fires, with the purchaset 10 light amphibious aircraft and three additional helicopters. An announcement that allowed the President of the Commission to recall that the EU “had to work tirelessly for adaptation to climate change, because nature is our first ally”.
A proposal for the reform of the European institutions
After paying tribute to Elizabeth II, whom she described as “legend”, Ursula von der Leyen turned to the future of the European institutions. In particular, she supported the idea of a European political community, proposed by Emmanuel Macron, which would bring together non-member European states wishing to work with the EU. She took the opportunity to send a signal to Moldova and Georgia, both EU candidates. “You are the future of our Union and our Union is not complete without you”she said.
State of the Union address: towards a European political community?
“The idea is to associate countries geographically close to the EU but which are not there, to take decisions on energy aspects for example” @BeaudonnetTV@AxeldeTarle @franceinfoplus pic.twitter.com/5U95QnL1Oa
– France TV Europe (@FranceTVEurope) September 14, 2022
The President of the Commission has also come out in favor of “a European convention” aimed at reforming the European treaties. Many States have expressed themselves in favor of a revision of the founding texts, in particular to challenge the rule of unanimity, which often slows down the decision-making of the Twenty-Seven. “We need to be able to act on what matters most to people”she argued, calling for ”renewing the European promise”.
“We must fight for our democracies, every day, every minute”, launched Ursula von der Leyen, addressing respect for the rule of law in the EU. Without referring directly to Hungary or Poland, she said that the Commission “would continue to insist on judicial independence” and respect “from our budget”. The president also promised a reform of European texts intended to combat corruption.