Renew Europe Group Endorses Ursula von der Leyen for President of the European Commission

In a groundbreaking move, the Renew Europe group has officially thrown its support behind Ursula von der Leyen for the position of President of the European Commission. This decision marks a significant moment in European politics, as von der Leyen is set to become the first female president of the European Commission if elected.

Renew Europe has outlined its key priorities moving forward, emphasizing a commitment to being a demanding yet reliable partner. The group has pledged to prioritize a range of important issues, including strengthening European defense, upholding the rule of law, promoting competitiveness, and ensuring that there is no regression on the Green Deal.

This endorsement comes at a crucial time for the European Union, as it faces numerous challenges on both the domestic and international fronts. By throwing its support behind von der Leyen, Renew Europe is signaling its confidence in her ability to lead the EU through these turbulent times.

Overall, the decision by the Renew Europe group to endorse Ursula von der Leyen for President of the European Commission is a significant development in European politics. It highlights the group’s commitment to advancing key priorities and working towards a stronger, more united Europe under von der Leyen’s leadership.

🚨BREAKING: The #RenewEurope group has formally decided to support @vonderleyen for President of the European Commission.

We will be a demanding, but reliable partner prioritising:

🪖Stronger
🇪🇺 Defence
👩‍⚖️Rule of Law
🏗Competitiveness
🟢 No Green Deal regression pic.twitter.com/0wkq0ZfcGf

— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) July 18, 2024

The #RenewEurope group has formally decided to support @vonderleyen for President of the European Commission. This decision marks a significant turning point in European politics, as Ursula von der Leyen is set to become the first woman to hold this prestigious position. In a bold move, Renew Europe has pledged to be a demanding yet reliable partner, prioritizing key issues such as stronger defense, the rule of law, competitiveness, and maintaining the progress made in the Green Deal. Let’s delve deeper into each of these priorities to understand what they mean for the future of the European Union.

### What Does Stronger Defense Mean for the EU?

One of the key priorities outlined by the Renew Europe group is the need for stronger defense within the European Union. This involves bolstering the EU’s capabilities to respond to security threats both within and outside its borders. In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, where threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks, and hybrid warfare are becoming increasingly prevalent, a robust defense strategy is essential for ensuring the safety and security of EU citizens.

According to a recent article by [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/03/18/eu-renew-europe-von-der-leyen), Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the importance of building a more integrated and responsive defense system within the EU. This includes investing in infrastructure, technology, and personnel to strengthen the EU’s ability to deter and respond to security challenges effectively.

### How Does Renew Europe Plan to Uphold the Rule of Law?

Another key priority for the Renew Europe group is the preservation of the rule of law within the European Union. The rule of law is a fundamental principle that underpins democratic societies, ensuring that all individuals and institutions are subject to the law and accountable for their actions. In recent years, several EU member states have faced criticism for undermining the rule of law through actions such as restricting press freedom, weakening judicial independence, and violating human rights.

In a statement reported by [Politico](https://www.politico.eu/article/renew-europe-backs-von-der-leyen-eu-commission-presidency/), Renew Europe has pledged to uphold the rule of law as a core value of the EU. This includes supporting efforts to strengthen judicial independence, combat corruption, and protect the rights of citizens across the European Union.

### What Does Competitiveness Mean for the EU Economy?

Competitiveness is another key focus area for Renew Europe, as the group seeks to ensure that the European Union remains a global leader in economic growth and innovation. In today’s interconnected world, where markets are increasingly competitive and dynamic, it is essential for the EU to maintain a competitive edge to drive sustainable economic development and create jobs for its citizens.

In an article published by [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/renew-europe-backs-von-der-leyen-eu-commission-president-2022-03-18/), Renew Europe has highlighted the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment, promoting innovation, and investing in digitalization to enhance the competitiveness of European businesses. By supporting policies that encourage entrepreneurship, research and development, and skills training, Renew Europe aims to boost the EU’s economic growth and prosperity.

### How Will Renew Europe Ensure No Regression in the Green Deal?

The Green Deal is a flagship initiative of the European Union aimed at transforming the EU into a more sustainable, climate-neutral economy. It encompasses a wide range of policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect biodiversity. Renew Europe has made it clear that it will not tolerate any regression in the progress made towards achieving the goals of the Green Deal.

As reported by [Euroactiv](https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/renew-europe-group-backs-von-der-leyen-for-european-commission-president/), Renew Europe is committed to building on the momentum of the Green Deal and accelerating the transition to a greener economy. This includes supporting initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable agriculture and transport. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, Renew Europe aims to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all EU citizens.

In conclusion, the decision by the Renew Europe group to support Ursula von der Leyen for President of the European Commission reflects a commitment to advancing key priorities such as stronger defense, the rule of law, competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on these critical issues, Renew Europe aims to shape a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable future for the European Union and its citizens.