Today in Strasbourg, at the first plenary session since the June European elections, MEPs voted to reconfirm Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission. Having been proposed as a candidate by EU leaders in June, President von der Leyen’s term in office will now run until 2029.
President von der Leyen’s re-election by Parliament was prefaced by in-depth negotiations with the leading Parliament political groups, which has contributed to the ‘Political Guidelines’ of the President – the political mandate for her term. This morning, ahead of the vote, President von der Leyen also gave a speech in the plenary chamber.
SolarPower Europe has issued the following statement in reaction to the President’s re-election, her speech, and her political guidelines.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe (she/her):
“President von der Leyen’s re-election offers a welcome stability for Europe, recognising her critical role in guiding the continent through the wave of crises in recent years.
The President’s speech in plenary confirms that delivering the Green Deal remains a priority under the new Commission mandate, with a focus on implementation and investment. This is good news for Europe and for the energy transition.
Europe’s energy, security, and climate goals are dependent on taking new steps in accelerating energy system flexibility and electrification. We’re facing deep system change that will bring incredible benefits – but it needs political commitment.
Green competitiveness is the launchpad to sustainable growth. We’re pleased to see the new EU Clean Industrial Deal, reflecting our June letter supported by over 550 signatories from across society and the economy. Our modelling shows that renewables and flexible electrification will reduce energy costs by 25% in 2030 and 33% by 2040, structurally shielding European business and industry from further fossil fuel volatility and building a new era of clean competitiveness and prosperity.
In establishing her new College of Commissioners, we urge President von der Leyen to acknowledge the need for Europe to rapidly accelerate its energy flexibility and electrification plans.”
Notes
- New modelling shows that more renewables, electrification and flexibility can boost European competitiveness, slashing average day-ahead energy prices by 25% by 2030, and by 33% by 2040. Discover Mission Solar 2040.
- The EU Joint Research Centre warns that Europe needs to double its energy system flexibility by 2030 and increase by sevenfold by 2050.
- More than 500 companies and associations from across the economy – including chemicals, services, renewables, shipping, and consumer goods – have joined with climate and nature NGOs, as well as local government representation, to urge Europe to deliver on the Green Deal with a complementary Clean Industry Deal. Read the statement.
Questions? Get in touch.
Bethany Meban
Head of Press and Policy Communications
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