Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, recently addressed the press in Brussels, marking the 20th anniversary of the EU’s expansion, which particularly included Poland.
During her remarks, von der Leyen acknowledged a collective oversight within the EU concerning the concerns expressed by Central European countries regarding Russia.
She admitted that the EU should have heeded their warnings and taken decisive action earlier. Von der Leyen stressed the importance of listening to the insights and experiences of Central European nations, highlighting their unique perspective due to their close proximity to Russia.
Von der Leyen (Credits: POLITICO.eu)
She expressed gratitude for the strong and unified response from Europe in addressing the challenges posed by Russia’s actions.
Reflecting on the importance of the EU’s expansion anniversary, von der Leyen conveyed a sense of celebration and joy. She emphasized the transformative impact of the expansion, describing it as a milestone that has strengthened Europe as a whole.
Von der Leyen pointed out the tangible benefits experienced by citizens as a result of EU membership, including increased opportunities and improved standards of living. She underscored the remarkable economic growth witnessed by the Union, attributing it in part to the expansion.
The EU has emerged as the world’s largest single market, amplifying its influence and enhancing its voice on the global stage.
Von der Leyen (Credits: The Guardian)
In her remarks, von der Leyen highlighted the positive evolution of the EU over the past two decades, emphasizing its resilience and ability to adapt to new challenges.
She praised the unity and solidarity demonstrated by EU member states, particularly in the face of external threats. Von der Leyen reiterated the importance of maintaining a cohesive and collaborative approach to address ongoing issues and uphold the values of the European Union.
Von der Leyen’s statements underscored the importance of the EU’s expansion anniversary while acknowledging areas where the union could have acted more decisively. Her remarks also emphasized the continued progress and achievements of the European Union, driven by a commitment to unity, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
