About: Ursula von der Leyen
Poland rejects southern Europe’s push for mandatory relocation of migrants
The upcoming negotiations over the EU's long-awaited new migration proposal are expected to hit another dead end, despite the European Commission's assurances of having held an "intensive consultation process".
EU travel industry steps up quarantine pushback
Leaders of Europe's coronavirus-stricken travel and tourism industries have appealed to the EU's chief executive to press governments to end quarantine requirements and instead embrace coordinated restrictions and testing.
Agrifood Brief: The agri-side of Europe’s man on the moon moment
Welcome to EURACTIV’s AgriFood Brief, your weekly update on all things Agriculture & Food in the EU. You can subscribe here if you haven’t done so yet. Once again, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has come under...
Tweets of the Week: SOTEU, Forest Cities, Good Friday Agreement
In her state of the union, VDL aims to please, Trump thinks Vienna is nothing but trees and Dominic Raab has us all thinking jeez!
Mandatory relocation still point of contention in new EU migration pact
The European Commission's long-awaited new migration pact will consist of five regulations and a political text, EU sources have told EURACTIV. However, the thorny issue of mandatory relocation, which some EU countries strongly oppose, continues to cause headaches.
Von der Leyen outlines path towards ‘new vitality’ in post-corona world
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged in her first ‘State of the Union’ address that Europe will lead the way towards a “new vitality” following the COVID-19 crisis, including a more “human” and greener economy.
EU diplomacy needs more courage to address Russia, Turkey, new White House
The EU needs to be more courageous in its diplomacy, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday (16 September), chiding member states for an ineffective foreign policy and urging progress on a US-style sanctions framework targeting human rights abusers worldwide.
Von der Leyen charts Europe’s ‘digital decade’, evades platform economy challenge
Commission President von der Leyen has laid out her vision for the development of digital policy in the EU, with an accelerated commitment to innovation in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Von der Leyen: European values are not for sale
In her first State of the Union speech, delivered on Wednesday (16 September), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen positioned herself as a bulwark against the unravelling of EU values that is already underway in many of the member states.
‘We can do it!’: EU chief announces 55% emissions reduction target for 2030
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans on Wednesday (16 September) to target a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of a broader European Green Deal programme aimed at reaching "climate neutrality" by mid-century.
EU, China make progress on investment deal despite human rights tensions
The leaders of the EU and China agreed to speed up negotiations to conclude a long-standing investment deal during a virtual summit on Monday (14 September), despite Europe's lingering concerns over Beijing’s human rights record and its treatment of Hong Kong.
Tweets of the Week: Rentrée, Phil Hogan, Merkel on Navalny
Happy September it’s good to be back, except for Big Phil, ‘cause he got the sack, and Angela Merkel condemns novichok attack.
EU condemns ‘in the strongest possible terms’ Navalny’s poisoning
The European Union condemned "in the strongest possible terms" on Wednesday (2 September) the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and called on Russia to thoroughly investigate the assassination attempt and bring those responsible to justice.
EU trade chief fights to keep job as ‘Golfgate’ rolls on
Embattled EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan was fighting to keep his title on Tuesday (25 August), as the Irish government said he breached a trio of coronavirus guidelines on a trip to the Republic to attend a parliamentary golf society...
EU trade commissioner apologises for virus breach
EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan apologised on Sunday (23 August) as he faced calls to resign for attending an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner which breached coronavirus guidelines.
EU to impose sanctions over election fraud in Belarus
The European Union does not recognise the results of Belarus elections and would shortly impose sanctions on those who were involved in electoral fraud and repression of protests, the European Council chief said on Wednesday.
Crisis in Belarus not geopolitical, EU leaders say after 3-hour summit
EU leaders made it clear following a 3-hour long online summit on the situation in Belarus on Wednesday (19 August) that the crisis following the controversial elections was not a geopolitical one and that it should not antagonise Russia.
EU Commission ready to help Lebanon with preferential trade
The European Commission is ready to help Lebanon with preferential trade and customs backing, president Ursula Von der Leyen said on Thursday (6 August) after a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
EU chief backs LGBT rights in row with Poland
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen defended LGBT rights on Thursday (30 July) after a row erupted over the EU's refusal of grants to towns in Poland accused of discrimination.
Parliament insists on revisiting budget cuts despite Michel, von der Leyen charm offensive
European Council and Commission presidents tried to gain the European Parliament support on Thursday (23 July) for the recovery plan backed earlier this week by the EU27 but lawmakers insist on negotiating budget cuts.
Climate policy endures rough EU budget summit
EU leaders agreed to slash funding for Just Transition policies at a crucial budget summit on Tuesday (21 July) and also watered down a set of green conditions that could hamper the bloc’s long-term climate efforts.
EU Commission criticised for its reporting on nuclear energy’s sustainability
The European Commission is looking into whether nuclear energy can be classed as a sustainable green investment. But the EU executive's decision to task its research centre with the assessment has already prompted criticism. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Tweets of the Week: VDL on Video, Merkel in the EP, Barnier en route
VDL’s video is a step too far, Merkel’s Parliament performance raises the bar and Michel Barnier is back on the Eurostar.