Von der Leyen's Green Vision: EU Climate Goals and Industrial Competitiveness

Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday, made a strong commitment to continue Europe's robust climate change efforts if she secures a second term as President of the European Commission. In a preparatory document ahead of the European Parliament's vote, von der Leyen outlined plans to introduce new climate policies, including a legally-binding EU target to reduce emissions by 90% by 2040.

"We must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal," the document emphasized, reiterating the focus on climate policies that dominated von der Leyen's first term. She assured that the next EU Commission under her leadership would maintain existing CO2 reduction policies and propose new measures aimed at helping European industries remain competitive while investing in emissions reduction. A "clean industrial deal" was pledged to be delivered within her first 100 days.

These climate-focused commitments are anticipated to secure votes from Green lawmakers when the European Parliament votes on her re-election. Despite pressure from some within her own center-right European People's Party to weaken parts of Europe's green agenda, von der Leyen's focus on industrial competitiveness may help retain conservative support.

She intends to uphold the contentious policy banning the sale of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035, with assurances that an upcoming policy review would include cars running on e-fuels. This move addresses demands from manufacturers seeking a market for e-fuels in conventional combustion engine cars. Von der Leyen, who is also known for being the first woman to head the Commission and a mother of seven, requires backing from at least 361 of the 720 EU Parliament members.

Additionally, she committed to a plan helping countries adapt to worsening climate conditions, which are triggering severe drought and wildfires in EU regions like Spain and Greece.

(With inputs from agencies.)