EU Commission president nominee Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech during her statement for her candidacy at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on 18 July 2024.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday made her final pitch to win EU lawmakers' backing for a second term, vowing to bolster Europe's defence and strengthening its industry through greater investment. She said she would work on a new"clean industrial deal" to"help bring down energy bills" and focus on developing an"affordable housing plan".and the goals we set for 2030 and 2050.We will now focus on implementation & investment.I'll put forward a Clean Industrial Deal in the first 100 days.To invest in infrastructure & industry, especially in energy intensive sectors.
Dealing a blow to von der Leyen a day before the vote, a top EU court ruled she failed to be transparent enough about coronavirus vaccine contracts.