All posts tagged: Leyen

Former von der Leyen aide’s new role reflects EU competition policy shift – POLITICO

Former von der Leyen aide’s new role reflects EU competition policy shift – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Speaking with POLITICO, Whelan denied that his role was to build a bridge between von der Leyen and the competition department. “I don’t think the president and the EVP are in need of bridges,” he said. Ribera — who as the top socialist in the Commission is a foil to Christian Democrat von der Leyen — also framed the department’s future mandate through a philosophical lens, calling for enforcement grounded in fairness and protecting the vulnerable.  “In these uncertain times, our responsibility is more important than ever: to enforce rules firmly, to remain free from any distorting pressures, to act with integrity,” Ribera wrote. European Commission Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera arriving at the European Pulse Forum in Barcelona on April 10. | David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Images Bridge builder or not, competition bubble insiders say Whelan has the bureaucratic and political chops to both manage that relationship and execute on the new competition agenda. “Highly intelligent, politically savvy, pragmatic, open-minded, and a strong believer in vigorous enforcement,” is …

Von der Leyen uses Orbán defeat to push for end of veto in EU foreign policy – POLITICO

Von der Leyen uses Orbán defeat to push for end of veto in EU foreign policy – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Any change would be highly controversial, with even some typically pro-EU countries likely to balk at the prospect of losing control of foreign policy and facing the possibility of having to wave through decisions they oppose. The Commission would move quickly to engage with the incoming Hungarian government once it takes office, noting that incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar had signaled a clear pro-European direction during the campaign. “We can already see that [he] is very clear on the European path … committing the new government to continue working with us,” she said, adding that progress on EU funds and reforms would be a priority because “the Hungarian people deserve it.” Von der Leyen welcomed the outcome of Hungary’s elections, calling it “a day to celebrate” and said the EU was stronger and more united as a result. “The people of Hungary have spoken and they have reclaimed their European task,” she said. “It is a victory for fundamental freedoms.” Orbán, the EU’s most autocratic leader — a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and …

Kallas shrugs off von der Leyen tensions – POLITICO

Kallas shrugs off von der Leyen tensions – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister who took up the High Representative role in December 2024, straddles multiple EU power centers — serving as a Commission vice president under von der Leyen while also chairing meetings of EU foreign ministers and working closely with member countries. That hybrid setup has long created overlap — and occasional turf battles — with the Commission president, a leading figure in the center-right European People’s Party, while Kallas belongs to the liberal Renew Europe group. One flashpoint has been von der Leyen’s decision to establish an intelligence cell within the Commission, mirroring capabilities already housed in Kallas’ European External Action Service. “In my view, we cannot simply duplicate efforts in Europe,” Kallas said. “If something is already being done well in one place, then let it be done there.” She acknowledged “institutional tensions” had been present “from the very beginning,” but framed them as a question of efficiency rather than rivalry. “Europe needs to function as a single team,” she said, noting that citizens “don’t perceive the difference” between …

EU Can No Longer Rely on ‘Rules-Based’ System Against Threats, Von Der Leyen Says

EU Can No Longer Rely on ‘Rules-Based’ System Against Threats, Von Der Leyen Says

Published by Sam Flores

BRUSSELS, March 9 (Reuters) – The ⁠EU ⁠must be prepared ⁠to project its power more assertively ​as it can no longer rely on a “rules-based” ‌system against threats and ‌must determine if its institutions and ⁠systems ⁠help or hinder its credibility, European Commission President ​Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday. “We will always defend and uphold the rules-based system that ​we helped to build with our allies, ⁠but we ⁠can no longer ⁠rely ​on it as the only way to defend our ​interests or ⁠assume its rules will shelter us from the complex threats that we face,” von der Leyen said at a conference for ⁠EU ambassadors. “We urgently need to reflect on whether our ⁠doctrine, our institutions and our decision making – all designed in a postwar world of stability and multilateralism – have kept pace with the speed of change around us. Whether the system that we built – with all of its well-intentioned attempts ⁠at consensus and compromise – is more a help or a hindrance to our credibility as a …

Ursula von der Leyen faces blowback over diplomatic ‘overreach’ – POLITICO

Ursula von der Leyen faces blowback over diplomatic ‘overreach’ – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

“I felt I was hallucinating … watching Ursula von der Leyen call the heads of Gulf states,” said Nathalie Loiseau, a centrist French lawmaker on the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. “She has no diplomatic service, speaks without a mandate or intelligence briefings. Her words have no value beyond her individual statement.” The role of coordinating the bloc’s foreign policy, the diplomats who spoke to POLITICO said, lies with Kallas, whose task it is to liaise with capitals and formulate a common position — even if that’s often a slow and painstaking process. Von der Leyen risks creating confusion in relations with the rest of the world, they said. “The problem is the president going out with ideas and somehow committing the European Union without consulting countries beforehand,” said a senior EU diplomat involved in foreign policy discussions and who, like others in this article, was granted anonymity to speak frankly about sensitive internal matters. “She is saying things that are not in her mandate.” These tensions will be in the background as von der …

Von der Leyen doubles down in face of energy crisis criticism – POLITICO

Von der Leyen doubles down in face of energy crisis criticism – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

“There is criticism and concerns coming from member states, but at the leaders’ retreat [last month in the Belgian countryside] they asked the Commission to come up with solutions on energy,” said one EU official with knowledge of the talks, granted anonymity to speak frankly, as were others quoted in this piece. Described as an orientation debate, the meeting was a chance for commissioners to “exchange ideas on these topics and propose concrete actions,” said the EU official, “particularly in this case, as the president is expected by the member states to present on energy prices at the next EUCO [European Council]. They’re important to member states so it’s important to the Commission.” According to an internal note drafted by EU competition chief Teresa Ribera, a Spanish socialist, and Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, a Danish social democrat, “the recent escalation in the Middle East and the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have had an immediate effect on global energy prices and market volatility.” Oil and gas prices have jumped sharply in the wake of …

EU chief von der Leyen calls for regime change and shift to democracy in Iran – POLITICO

EU chief von der Leyen calls for regime change and shift to democracy in Iran – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

“A credible transition in Iran is urgently needed,” von der Leyen posted on X after a call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar. “This must mean the halt of Iran’s military nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and the end of destabilising actions on air, land and at sea. Above all, it must reflect and support the democratic aspirations of the brave people of Iran.” The transition to a new supreme leader under the current Iranian system is being handled by 88 clergymen in the country’s Assembly of Experts. Qatar has come under heavy barrages from Iran, which is retaliating against a U.S.-Israeli attack on its territory, launched on Saturday, that aims to destroy its nuclear facilities and ballistic missile capabilities in addition to toppling the Islamist regime. “With the region in deep upheaval, Qatar can count on strong European solidarity,” von der Leyen said in her post on X Sunday. Qatar shot down waves of Iranian missiles fired at targets within its territory over the weekend. On Saturday the resulting shrapnel injuring 16 …

Von der Leyen to visit Greenland as EU shores up Arctic presence – POLITICO

Von der Leyen to visit Greenland as EU shores up Arctic presence – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

The Arctic has become a strategically important region for global powers. Melting ice due to climate change is opening new shipping routes. The EU’s Arctic special envoy, Claude Véron-Réville, has said the region is undergoing “profound changes,” marked by “growing geo-political tensions and geo-economic competition driven by its strategic location.” Von der Leyen’s visit comes just weeks after Trump renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, triggering heightened tensions between the EU and Washington. In January, von der Leyen stressed: “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. … The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.” NATO has recently started a mission in the region in an effort to keep Trump onside. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said: “Security in the Arctic and the Far North is essential for us as NATO, as Europeans, but also for North America.” Greenland is the biggest financial benefiter under the EU’s Overseas Country and Territory scheme. The European Commission proposed to double financial support for the island starting in 2028. The EU …

As NATO concerns persist, von der Leyen urges EU to fortify defense clause – POLITICO

As NATO concerns persist, von der Leyen urges EU to fortify defense clause – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

“I believe the time has come to bring Europe’s mutual defense clause to life,” von der Leyen said, without providing specifics. “Mutual defense is not optional for the EU. It is an obligation within our own Treaty — Article 42.7 … It is our collective commitment to stand by each other in case of aggression.” But working to clarify how that article could be activated doesn’t mean junking existing reliance on NATO and the U.S. for the continent’s security. However, Europe will have to do more to stand on its own, she said. Dusting off 42.7 is a response to a year of unparalleled attacks on the continent from Trump’s administration, from Vice President JD Vance’s scorching attack on Europe at last year’s Munich conference, to Trump casting doubt on Article 5, denigrating the contribution of allies who fought alongside the U.S. in Afghanistan and — most significantly — calling for the annexation of Greenland, a Danish territory. “Europe needs to step up and has to take on its responsibility. Admittedly, it has taken some …

Von der Leyen and Merz clash over future of EU’s core climate law  – POLITICO

Von der Leyen and Merz clash over future of EU’s core climate law  – POLITICO

Published by Sam Flores

“This system is implemented to reduce CO2 emissions, and at the same time to enable the companies to come to CO2-free production lines. So if this is not achievable, and if this is not the right instrument, we should be very open to revising it, or at least to postpone it,” he said to loud applause from industry representatives. “We should avoid everything that is jeopardizing the competitiveness of our industry. I’m fully in line with all those who are saying we have to do more on climate change,” he added, but if policies come “at the cost of our industries, at the cost of the [jobs] in our industry, this is unacceptable. And that’s the reason why I’m in line with everyone who says if this is not the right instrument, we have to talk about that and we have to change it if it doesn’t work.” And while in a separate session, French President Emmanuel Macron warned against “killing” the ETS, he insisted: “Europe cannot define ambitious climate objectives while allowing its industrial …