Strasbourg – At the European Parliament plenary session, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it is crucial for Europe to complete the single market. She pointed to the EU Inc business regime, the public procurement act and simplification efforts to ease the administrative burden on companies. She reminded member states that “a rule that has been agreed on European level cannot become more complex and fragmented when transposed or implemented nationally.”
On Europe’s high energy costs she stressed that the EU is too dependent on foreign fossil fuels and gas and that we are losing opportunities by not having a true European energy union. Speaking about Russia, she stressed that EU sanctions “will stay until Russia stops the war.” She reminded MEPs that it was Russia who cut off Europe’s gas supply and who is weaponising energy.
On migration she stressed that illegal border crossings have fallen by 56% over the last two years. She also highlighted how migration is being weaponised, and announced a new framework to give member states the tools they need to respond quickly to threats at external borders.
On China, Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that Chinese companies receive up to eight times more subsidies than comparable firms in OECD countries and that European industries are paying the price. She said that the Commission will work to reduce economic dependencies by addressing vulnerabilities, diversifying supply chains and limiting access to the single market when needed.
