a few seconds agoUrsula von der Leyen warns he will have enlargement priority on the eve of second term
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to be elected Thursday, also for a five-year term at the helm of this institution. It would need at least 361 deputies' votes from 720 totals in the European Parliament. On the eve of this vote, von der Leyeen has made [...]
It would need at least 361 deputies' votes from 720 totals in the European Parliament.
On the eve of this vote, von der Leyeen has made her priorities public for the upcoming mandate, including the European bloc's enlargement process.
“The announcement of the 20th anniversary of the EU's greatest expansion ever enabled us to reflect on this process, which proved to be a success for these countries, and for the EU as a whole. History calls us back and the EU has a choice to make for its future. I believe it is a moral, political and geo-strategic exercise to complete our bloc, in accordance with promises we have given on the basis of treaties”, is said in the EU chief's statement.
It has said that in a world where great powers exist, a stronger and broader EU gives Europe greater weight on the global stage. It has reiterated that the enlargement process will remain based on individual merits of those who want to become part of the EU.
This will not be an easy way out. EU membership will always be based on merit, and each candidate will be assessed on the basis of progress in meeting the criteria. We will increase efforts to prepare candidate countries, in particular through investments and reforms with the Western Balkans growth plan, and the means for Ukraine”, she has said.
Von der Leyen has promised that, if re-elected to his position, he will appoint a commissioner dedicated to further the enlargement process.
“Many had doubts about the EU's ability to integrate a large number of new member states in 2004, which had different economic, structural and number of residents. But the EU testified that it could cope, by preparing from within, and by integrating them very early. Europe will testify to this again”, it has said, talking about enlargement.
Von der Leyen has also warned that he will appoint a special commissioner for defence and another for the Mediterranean, as these areas, according to her, are a challenge and priority for the European Union. / REL
