brussels, Belgium - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament today, outlining a series of proposals including a new sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Russia to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine.Simultaneously, left-wing members of Parliament demonstrated support for Palestinians by wearing red clothing, reflecting ongoing criticism of the Commission’s perceived insufficient response to actions by the Israeli government.
Several left and middle parties have long voiced concerns that von der Leyen has not strongly enough criticized the Israeli government’s policies.
Von der Leyen also responded to recent events in Poland, stating Europe stands in “complete solidarity” with the country following the shooting of Russian drones in Polish airspace, which she described as “reckless and unprecedented.” She framed the EU’s current challenges as “a fight for a continent that is a whole and has peace. For a free and independent Europe.”
The Commission President detailed plans to accelerate the EU’s efforts to eliminate reliance on Russian energy, aiming to fully halt imports of Russian gas and oil, currently slated for 2028, perhaps sooner. The EU has already reduced imports since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. She also announced 6 billion euros for a drone alliance between Ukraine and the EU.
Addressing a recently agreed-upon trade deal with the United States, which includes a 15% import tax on most goods and services to the US, von der Leyen defended the agreement as the best possible outcome, warning of the consequences of a trade war with the US.She referenced recent threats from former President Trump regarding new import duties following a billion-dollar fine levied against Google by the EU, asserting, “We determine our own rules. Europe makes its own choices.”
