Ursula von der Leyen

On this #WomensDay my heart goes out to all Ukrainian women.

Standing for freedom.
Fighting on the frontline.
Protecting their loved ones.

The European Union is with you.

•

У цей #WomensDay моє серце з усіма жінками України.

Стоячи за свободу.
Воюючи на передовій.
Захищаючи своїх близьких.

Європейський Союз з вами.

#StandingWithUkraine #InternationalWomensDay

Today the EU and Ukraine are already closer than ever. There is still a long path ahead. We have to end this war. And we should talk about the next steps.

But nobody can doubt that a people that stands up so bravely for our European values belongs in our European family.

Read my speech here: https://europa.eu/!bXdgTM

#EU #StandUpWithUkraine

We are too dependent on Russian fossils fuels. We must ensure a reliable, secure and affordable supply of energy to European consumers.

With the #EUGreenDeal, we know how to get there.
But we need to move faster.

This is what REPowerEU is about.

REPowerEU will diversify our gas supplies, speed up the renewable roll-out, improve energy efficiency and replace gas in heating and power.
It can reduce our demand for Russian gas by 2/3 before the end of the year.

We will also help consumers and businesses face increased energy prices and prepare for next winter:

• More guidance on price regulation for consumers
• Potential new State Aid Temporary Framework for businesses
• Upcoming proposal on minimum gas storage to secure supply

Read more about REPowerEU here: https://europa.eu/!FvttMN

#Energy #EU #EuropeanCommission

Forests are our best allies against climate change. And they provide livelihoods for millions of people around the world. We need to protect them.

Products bought and consumed in the #EU should not contribute to deforestation. After I announced it at COP26 - UN Climate Change Conference, we are today proposing new rules to help stop global deforestation and forest degradation.

We are setting mandatory due diligence rules for companies:

Only deforestation-free and legal products will be allowed on the EU market, notably soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa and coffee.

More info: https://europa.eu/!pDRRyw

EU Environment and Climate
#EUGreenDeal

Thousands of heroic firefighters are working tirelessly against wildfires raging across our continent.

The EU has mobilised help for Portugal, Slovenia, Czechia, Albania and France this summer via #rescEU.

I am grateful to Greece, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Poland, Austria and Romania who currently support France through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. #EUCivPro

#EU #StrongerTogether

1-3, 5 © European Union
4 © LTN Adrien Parmentier, Sécurité Civile

It was lovely meeting with Roberta Metsola and Christine Lagarde today in Strasbourg.
 
Three women, three institutions, one goal:
driving Europe's recovery!

European Parliament European Central Bank European Commission

I was in Slovenia today to tell its people: Europe is by your side.

It was heartbreaking to see the scale of devastation caused by the floods.

The storm wreaked havoc in two-thirds of Slovenia.

But against the force of nature, the people of Slovenia have reacted with courage and kindness.

And when you called for European assistance, 8 Member States responded within 48 hours.
 
I came to Slovenia today to discuss concrete ways for our Union to stand by the side of the people of Slovenia.
  
For relief, rebuilding, and better managing extreme weather, we are mobilising EU support.

The EU Solidarity Fund can quickly advance money to address direct damage.

Additional #NextGenerationEU loans can make Slovenia more resilient to such natural disasters.

Finally, EU Cohesion funds can be redirected to rebuild your beautiful country.

I have no doubt that, with Europe’s support, Slovenia will recover.

More in my speech at the Slovenian National Assembly → europa.eu/!rJbnnK

We are facing a blatant attempt by Russia to rewrite the rules of our international system. But we still hope that peace will prevail and that diplomacy will take us there.

At the Munich Security Conference I outlined how Europe supports this effort:

1. We prepared sanctions that can have severe consequences for Moscow in case of further military attack. The Kremlin’s thinking, which comes out of a dark past, may cost Russia a prosperous future.

2. We diversify suppliers and sources to make the EU more energy independent.

3. We support democracy in Ukraine – a country that is now stronger than 8 years ago.

4. The EU and the transatlantic community are fully aligned and united. I was glad to discuss 🇪🇺🇺🇸 cooperation on the situation around Ukraine with Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. #EU and #US are closer than ever.

I salute the courage of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people in these difficult times.
At #MSC2022 there was strong backing for a free and sovereign Ukraine. He deserves our support.

When Russia tried to divide us over and over, we have responded with one voice and a common message.

Read my speech here: https://europa.eu/!jWGYdK

#MSC2022

We stand firm with Ukraine. The Transatlantic Community has for a long time not been so united. And our call on Russia is crystal clear: do not choose war.

Should the Kremlin choose violence, our response will be strong and united. We have prepared robust sanctions that can bite very hard. And we are also ready in case Russia uses energy as a weapon.
We have not chosen confrontation with Russia, but we are prepared for it.
 
But another future is possible. A future in which Russia and Europe cooperate on their shared interests.
 
Where free countries work together in peace.

My speech in the European Parliament today: https://europa.eu/!9NwJKd

#EU #Europe #Ukraine #Russia

Women already hold more than 40 percent of the top positions in the European Commission. I have set a target of 50 percent by the end of 2024. Because our democracies are stronger when women are involved as equals. Not because women are better. But because we are different.
 
As women leaders we have to make sure that we get the respect we are due and the treatment appropriate for our position – just as our male colleagues do.

And we have to speak up, whenever this is not the case. We owe this to ourselves. And above all, to others. Because whatever happens to us is immediately brought to public attention.

But what about the millions of women who do not have this advantage?
 
I was glad to join so many inspiring female parliamentarians from across the world to discuss a topic which could not be more timely:
 
How can we ensure that, when we come out of this crisis, our societies will be not only more digital and more sustainable, but also – more inclusive?

My speech at the #WPLSummit21: https://europa.eu/!93wcPw

Thank you, Women Political Leaders (WPL), for bringing us together at the #WomenPoliticalLeadersSummit21!

We stand up against violence against women and girls. We stand for their sexual and reproductive rights. We want women and girls to be at the heart of peace processes.

The European Commission will present a plan to promote gender equality around the world through the European external action: https://lnkd.in/gfRGe9M

#ViolenceAgainstWomen #OrangeTheWorld #GenderEquality #HumanRights #EU #EuropeanUnion

Sicily has always been the centre of the Mediterranean. A place where different cultures meet and meddle together.

Today, I finally understand the words of my compatriot Goethe, who wrote: ‘Once you see Palermo, you will never forget it.'

The quote goes on to say: Sicily ‘holds the key to all things'.

These words are still true today.

Because this beautiful island is absolutely central to addressing some of the greatest issues of our times:

First, for the transition to clean energy.

Second, for migration.

Third, for building an economy that works for Europe's next generation.

•••

Italy is the largest beneficiary of our huge investment programme, #NextGenerationEU

The Bank of Italy says the plan will create 375,000 new jobs in your country.

And at least 40% of Italy's plan is coming to southern Italy. With these investments and reforms, Sicily can become a land for young people.

This region is home to so much talent. Sicily performs way above the European average for the quality of your scientific publications, even if R&D investments here are way below the average.

So it is time to invest in you. For instance, we are financing 240 new posts for researchers and PhD students right here, at the University of Palermo.

••

We can make Europe the place of your dreams. Because you are the ones who will carry on the torch of responsibility. And I am confident that you will rise to the challenge.

There is a quote by your brother, dear President Mattarella, that really strikes me.

Piersanti Mattarella believed that Italy and Europe have a responsibility to help southern Italy transform itself.
But he also said: ‘Progress cannot be imposed from above. It needs to be driven by our hidden energy and enthusiasm.'

This is what makes me confident. You, the young people of Sicily, your enthusiasm, your talent, your passion. You are the hidden energy of this island, and its inner beauty. You make it ‘Sicilia bedda'.

So best of luck for this academic year!

Viva la Sicilia, e viva l'Europa!

•

Speech at the opening ceremony of the academic year of the University of Palermo:

https://europa.eu/!NRRNRQ

The EU and India are the world's two largest democracies, bound by shared values and a vision for a safer, more prosperous, and tech-driven future.

Given the global context, Narendra Modi and I have agreed to conclude our free trade agreement this year.

We will also deepen cooperation on AI to help build a future in which the technology serves people, not the other way around.

Finally, we’re exploring a future EU-India Security & Defence Partnership.

My statement during the College of Commissioners' visit to India
→ europa.eu/!7kYGcF

Let us fight for climate justice | Cut emissions. Move to renewables. And support vulnerable countries to achieve the green transition.

My message for the COP26 - UN Climate Change Conference is clear:

We must act now.

#COP26 #EUatCOP26 #EUGreenDeal


📸 © Tomasz Ustupski, WaterPIX /EEA

👩‍⚕️ Helping
💊 Curing
👐 Caring...
…and so much more!

Healthcare and front line workers have been Europe's modern day heroes during the pandemic.

At #G20, world leaders paid tribute to all the essential workers who made our lives easier and safer in times of #coronavirus.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank them all for their dedication and professionalism.

European Commission

Shocked and appalled by the vicious attacks on Ukrainian cities. Putin’s Russia has again shown the world what it stands for: brutality and terror.

I know that Ukrainians will stay strong.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, with all the means we have.

Statement on the attacks on Ukrainian cities: https://europa.eu/!Cbv9Yf

Europe stands by Ukraine’s side, and we support President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula for a just and lasting peace for the brave people of Ukraine.
 
This was my message at the second meeting of the Ukraine Compact in New York.
 
We can never match the sacrifices the Ukrainian people make every day to stay free and independent.
 
But what we can do is – stand by their side and build a common future.
 
Support for Ukraine is a key topic in my discussions with global leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
 
Yesterday, I met with leaders of Norway, Pakistan and the UK.
 
I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Starmer in Brussels next week to discuss the reset of EU-UK relations.
 
While in New York, I also joined the New York Stock Exchange Bell Ceremony.
 
A symbol of the institution that has powered US economic growth since 1792.
 
Europe is working on its own powerful model to provide businesses with the financing opportunities they need.
 
And we call it the Savings and Investment Union.
 
I’m ready for the fourth day of #UNGA.

Energy prices are rising globally. Gas prices almost doubled compared to 2020 – and producers are not increasing supplies sufficiently, despite rising demand.

Renewable energy prices, however, have remained stable. They have even decreased in recent years.

Our #EUGreenDeal and renewables are the solution to rising electricity prices.

European Commission

The European Union has always supported The Global Fund's noble mission: to end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

I was proud to announce a European Commission pledge of €715 million to The Global Fund.

Altogether, #TeamEurope pledged more than €4 billion.
It is money well invested towards a healthier future for all.

Read more here: https://europa.eu/!WVdKPQ

Thank you, President Biden, for organising this replenishment conference.

#GlobalHealth #UNGA77 #EU

Ukraine’s strength lies in its people.

In their courage, their force and enduring hope in a future of peace and prosperity in a united Europe.

They are an inspiration to all Europeans.
 
Congratulations to President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine on #UkraineIndependenceDay.

La storia d’Europa è una storia di Rinascimenti. Europe is a story of new beginnings.
 
Today, in my speech at the State of the Union 2021 conference of the European University Institute, I spoke about ending the pandemic and shaping a new beginning for #Europe.

A story of a hopeful future.
And in this sense – a new European Renaissance.

Today, the enormous gains delivered by our unity are obvious for everybody. It is clear that our European vaccination campaign is a success:
 
We have delivered 200 million doses of vaccines to Europeans so far.
And we have delivered another 200 million doses to the rest of the world.
 
Openness and fairness are Europe's trademark. 
 
We are the pharmacy of the world. And we take pride in this.
 
My full speech: https://europa.eu/!yJ66FC

#SOU2021 #EuropeanUnion #SafeVaccines

Thank you and congratulations on a successful presidency, @eu2023es

Your hard work and dedication got some key files past the finish line.
 
From the AI and the Critical Raw Materials Acts, to the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Estamos muy agradecidos.

Europe has what it takes to be a leader in industrial AI. 
 
Our innovation package will give AI startups and SMEs access to our world-class supercomputers. 
 
So they can develop, train, and test their AI models, in line with EU values.

The press release: europa.eu/!V6WKmX

Important milestone reached in delivering #COVID19 vaccines to the world: The EU has exported over 1 billion doses over the past 10 months.

Vaccines made in the #EU have been shipped to over 150 countries.
We are the largest exporter of COVID-19 vaccines.

With President Biden, we aim for a global vaccination rate of 70% by next year. So on top of exports, the EU will donate at least 500 million doses.

Others need to step up too.

Next week I'll work with Prime Minister Draghi and President Biden to rally #G20 leaders behind this goal.

Full statement: https://europa.eu/!BRtBrb

#SafeVaccines

The next decades will see the greatest industrial transformation of our times – maybe of any times.

We have a plan, a Green Deal Industrial Plan, to make Europe the home of clean tech and industrial innovation on the road to net-zero.

Our Green Deal Industrial Plan will be covering four key pillars:

1- the regulatory environment
2- financing
3- skills
4- global trade with benefits for all

Special Address at the World Economic Forum: https://europa.eu/!dFN6kK

#WEF23 #EU #EuropeanCommission

It's 2020. There is no longer a digital world on one hand and a “real” world on the other. Citizens need the same level of protection online and offline. Trustworthy info, safe services and goods, free and fair digital markets: we are setting the rules for Europe’s Digital Decade.

Digital Services Act: https://europa.eu/!xy48wN
Digital Markets Act: https://europa.eu/!Rd39Mp

#DigitalEU #DigitalServicesAct #DigitalMarketsAct

Russia’s bombs have destroyed schools in Ukraine, forcing children to long and sometimes dangerous commutes.

The European Commission is donating €14 million for school buses in Ukraine. But more is needed.

This is why we are also launching a solidarity campaign to bring more buses to Ukraine.

How to join: europa.eu/!8HDggM

#StandWithUkraine

For 50 years, the European Trade Union Confederation has contributed to making Europe a better place for all. 
 
You have given workers a voice. 
You have mobilised for fair salaries and good jobs.

So we can stay true to the European promise to put people first.

This human-centred approach must also be our compass in a changing world.

Algorithms are shaping work, beyond digital platforms.

We must keep giving protection, as tech is changing the game.
 
The answer to the challenges of AI must be “human in control“.

We are keeping an eye on the potential need to regulate algorithms use in the wider world of work.

My speech at today's 15th Congress of the European Trade Union Confederation→ europa.eu/!tQBck7

G7 condemns the escalation of violence by Russia against civilians in Ukraine. We'll stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes and have strengthened our sanctions on Russia.

Belarus support for Russia’s aggression must have consequences.

We also discussed actions to reduce energy prices.

We must work to further isolate Russia. Ukraine can count on its friends to rebuild, with steadfast #G7 financial support.

The #EU will soon table options for a fast recovery.

The conference I will co-host with Bundeskanzler Scholz on 25 October in Berlin will advance our strategy to rebuild Ukraine.

Read the statement here: https://lnkd.in/gwj92SZn

The Europe of tomorrow must be competitive and climate neutral.

That tomorrow is starting today.

We are giving a boost to our clean tech industry.

With two calls for proposals worth €4.6 billion for new tech, including EV batteries, and renewable hydrogen.

Read more → https://europa.eu/!hDqtBf

Europe and the United States should work together to deter our common threats – as partners.

Trade wars and punitive tariffs only drive inflation and act like a tax – one that inevitably hits workers, companies, small incomes and the middle class the hardest. On both sides of the Atlantic.

Europe wants to avoid a global race to the bottom.

But one thing is clear: unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered.

We are one of the world’s largest markets. We will use our tools to safeguard our economic security and interests.

And we will protect our workers, businesses and consumers at every turn.

In all this, we remain ready to find agreements that work for us all and make us both more prosperous and more secure.

Read more → https://europa.eu/!BFmmgN

Dear students of the College of Europe in Bruges.

You're not only studying the Europe of yesterday and today.

You're preparing to build the Europe of tomorrow.

The legacy of Jacques Delors, the patron of your promotion, can guide you in this journey.

Very productive meeting with President Zelenskyy in Athens today.

We discussed Ukraine’s progress on the EU path as well as our continued support in the face of Russia’s aggression.

We’ll continue working together to bring Ukraine’s grain to world markets and to provide economic assistance.

We are supporting Ukraine in its efforts to repair, recover and keep the state running.
 
Today we have disbursed another €1.5 billion of Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine.

And more will come, this year and beyond.

Security, Europe! is the theme of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union.

And rightly so.

We are facing growing hybrid threats. From sabotage in the Baltic Sea to migrants pushed over the Polish borders by the Lukashenko regime.

Defence, competitiveness and economic security were the focus of our talks with the Polish government.

Because a strong economy makes us more resilient and less vulnerable.

We will work hard to make life easier for European companies.

This month, the European Commission will present a big simplification package, the Omnibus. It will drastically cut red tape, responding directly to business demands.

Our industry is our pride, so we will continue supporting it through the transition. I recently launched a strategic dialogue with the car industry. And very soon I’ll launch one on steel.

Read my full statement from Gdańsk ↓
europa.eu/!bMVPmC

We are on the path towards net-zero. But the speed of our progress must accelerate.

Today I would like to launch an initiative for global renewables and energy efficiency targets.
 
Just like we did in Europe.
 
We aim to develop these goals by #COP28UAE, together with other countries, taking into account each country’s capacity and starting point.
 
They would complement other climate goals, such as the phase-out of unabated fossil fuels.
 
My statement at the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate: https://europa.eu/!JcpRmK

The historic 2004 enlargement was the birth of a new era.
 
Built on the promise that all Europeans can be masters of their own destiny.
 
Together with your ingenuity, Europe has made you stronger.
 
And you have made Europe so much stronger, too.

My speech on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: europa.eu/!HC9Y7Q

The European Green Deal was born out of the necessity to protect people and planet.

But it was also designed as an opportunity to build our future prosperity.

I'm glad to announce that we have approved Czechia's revised recovery and resilience plan, including a new #REPowerEU chapter.

The revised plan brings €2.2 billion in additional funding for Czechia.

This includes €736 million under REPowerEU for reforms and investments in a stronger electricity grid, more renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transport.

And, very importantly, the skills needed to support Czechia's industry and succeed in the green transition.

The European Commission will continue to support Czechia along the way.

Read more in my speech at the Green Deal Summit: europa.eu/!TY7qxH
Press statement with Prime Minister Fiala: europa.eu/!cnrMPh

Hyper-competitive and hyper-transactional geopolitics define this era. But Europe will remain level-headed!

We will continue to build on a foreign policy that stays true to who we are and deliver for our people and partners.

Read more in my speech to EU ambassadors ↓

Actions speak louder than words.

As promised in my 2022 State of the Union speech, the EU doubled its firefighting fleet this year.

The destructive power of extreme weather is too big for any country to fight on its own. But together, we are stronger.

Our #rescEU firefighting aircraft reserve now includes 24 airplanes and four helicopters from 10 Member States.

This is European solidarity in action.

I look forward to my 2023 State of the Union address on 13 September.

When I'll share with Europeans our 2024 priorities.

I am continuing my #NextGenerationEU tour; next stop: Austria!
 
The Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI Vienna - Austrian Academy of Sciences) houses an impressive testament of scientific excellence in Europe: 
 
The Hedy Lamarr Quantum Communication Telescope, installed on the Institute's roof, showcases the innovation potential of fundamental scientific research and can contribute to collecting new findings in quantum communication. 
 
It is used for quantum teleportation, with which the scientists can reach as far as 10 kilometres!
 
Through the recovery and resilience plan, Austria plans to invest €107 million in digital infrastructure and cross-border scientific cooperation - to strengthen scientific excellence and competences in the field of quantum research.
 
I was very happy to give Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz the European Commission's green light for the Austrian recovery and resilience plan!

More on the plan: https://europa.eu/!ptMMfb

#MakeItReal

Africa’s growth requires good internet connections and digital skills for all workers.
Today we launched the Global Digital for Development Hub for Africa. A space where European and African businesses can connect, learn and work with each other.

#EUAU #digitalisation #digitaltransformation #digitalEU #Europe #Africa