Von der Leyen defends track record ahead of EU elections

We have seen the birth of a geopolitical Union – supporting Ukraine, standing up to Russia's aggression, responding to an assertive China and investing in partnerships." "We now have a European Green Deal as the centrepiece of our economy and unmatched in ambition."

Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday defended her track record as European Commission chief, saying she had promoted - and would continue to stand for - a fair transition to green energy, a strong geopolitical union and fair competition with the world. Von der Leyen, who is widely expected to seek a second term at the head of the EU executive next year, said she and her team had delivered over 90% of the proposals presented when she became Commission chief in 2019.

"When I stood in front of you in 2019 with my programme for a green, digital and geopolitical Europe, I know that some had doubts," von der Leyen told EU lawmakers in her last state of the union speech before European Parliament elections next June. "But look at where Europe is today. We have seen the birth of a geopolitical Union – supporting Ukraine, standing up to Russia's aggression, responding to an assertive China and investing in partnerships."

"We now have a European Green Deal as the centrepiece of our economy and unmatched in ambition."