The ability to make alliances is as important as winning elections. Ms von der Leyen first won the election in the European People's Party (EPP). He did it so that he won allies from the socialists, the liberals and the greens. European politics and national policies will continue to depend on unions. Confidence in Mrs Von der Leyen is rising and this is a good testimonial for her.
This is what he told “Focus" Meglena Kuneva, the first Bulgarian European Commissioner and former Deputy Prime Minister on the occasion of the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the EC.
“At the center of her efforts she now placed the economy. The European Union is built around an economy that builds connections between countries, dependencies between countries and protects them from war, because that is also in their national interest. The dreaded word war nowadays has a special meaning for the EU. The EU's defense capabilities also go through the economy, as well as through the EU's independence and stability. She made this very clear in her winning speech," noted Meglena Kuneva.
Ursula von der Leyen's message to the Socialists that she would create a special portfolio, which she called Housing, to provide housing for people who desperately need it, was a strong announcement to the Socialists. Another direction related to security is the triple increase of Frontex. There are other interesting departments. In the next 5 years, she will make more intensive the policy of the Economic Security Commission, screening of foreign investments and what is exported as foreign investments, the risk from China and trade, where there will be development", Meglena Kuneva emphasized.
“Von der Leyen called on the MEPs to confirm her second term at the head of the EC in order to build a strong Europe that is ready for all challenges. Democratic security, and the "Democratic Shield" plan, because democracy is in danger. How democracy functions in each country and in our country will be the subject of future conversations. Strengthens ties with the local government and makes a special panel for consultation with the people. More openness was recommended to Von der Leyen and to the European Parliament. Practices that can create distrust in party leaders must be curbed. Climate security is important, the circular economy could provide more security. The raw materials needed for European industry will be part of her plan. Its strategy to make a strong Europe is convincing, the question is how it will be achieved and how quickly it can be done, because time and change are happening at an unprecedented speed. The most important thing is to maintain the democratic system in each of the countries, because without that, Europe cannot be what it is," added Meglena Kuneva.
When asked if she expected Giorgia Meloni to vote differently than what actually happened, Meglena Kuneva answered: “I personally expected Meloni to be able to make a different decision because she wanted a good portfolio for the Italian commissioner. There are no eternal enemies in politics, if on other key topics a way of cooperation is found and bridges are built, on migration Von der Leyen made a gesture to Italy, and sooner or later it will be appreciated. The common understanding of what is useful for the EU and what is not is very important. Kuneva has a theory that sounds a bit conspiratorial, if it was calculated in advance that Ursula von der Leyen would win and with 40 plus votes, that is, she does not have an exceptional need for Meloni's votes, this would, on the one hand, save the internal peace in the country of Meloni, and on the other hand will not threaten Von der Leyen. These relations are about to develop and we hope that they will develop for good", concluded Meglena Kuneva.