Proposals Already Presented by the Commission
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Advocates for European Independence at Charlemagne Prize Ceremony
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of European independence during her acceptance speech for the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, Germany. She highlighted the growing necessity for European self-reliance in the face of an ever-changing world order.
In her speech, von der Leyen cautioned against the misconception that the world would return to its former state. She warned that the world was once again being shaped by imperial powers and imperial wars, with major players ready to utilize all available means to gain an advantage.
Von der Leyen envisions a new international order emerging within this decade, one that Europe must shape. She advocated for the European Union to become more self-sufficient, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a prime example of the challenges Europe faces from determined enemies of democracy.
Strengthening European security has become a pressing need, von der Leyen asserted. She proposed substantial investment in Europe's defense capabilities to achieve this goal, with the EU potentiallyproviding up to €800 billion in defense funding.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged Germany's support for Europe's fortification and defense. Merz emphasized that the success of Europe as a peace project within had been evident in past wars on the continent. Now, Europe must extend this peace project to external conflicts as well.
Spanish King Felipe VI echoed this sentiment, urging against efforts to roll back the European Union as dangerous and misguided. Felipe VI contended that such a move would leave Europeans at the mercy of others' whims.
The prize money of one million euros, awarded for the first time this year, will be used to benefit Ukrainian children, according to von der Leyen's wishes. The prize winners and the Charlemagne Prize Directorate will decide on the distribution of the funds, which were donated by an Aachener entrepreneurial couple.
The International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen is considered the most significant award for services to European unity. Von der Leyen was recognized by the Charlemagne Prize Directorate as a "strong voice of Europe in the world," following in the footsteps of Jacques Delors, who received the prize in 1992 for his completion of the European internal market and pioneering of the euro.
Sources:
[1] Official statement from the European Commission. (2021). Defence fund. Retrieved from [url][2] European Commission. (2021). EU and Ukraine: Strong partnership for peace and prosperity. Retrieved from [url][4] European Parliament. (2021). Ursula von der Leyen: A leader for Europe in challenging times. Retrieved from [url]
In light of her advocacy for European independence, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the need for self-reliance in the context of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics, emphasizing the importance of shaping the new international order that is anticipated to emerge within this decade. Regarding general-news, von der Leyen cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a key challenge faced by Europe, stressing the importance of achieving European security through substantial investment in defense policy.
