Doherty calls on Von Der Leyen to “show ambition”

Dublin MEP Regina Doherty has called on her boss, Ursula Von Der Leyen, to turn EU commitments into action.

Von Der Leyen addressed the European Parliament on Wednesday as the parliamentarians returned from a brief recess, with Ukraine and Gaza the main topics discussed.

The annual speech, delivered by the Commission President to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, is the flagship political address setting out the EU’s priorities for the year ahead.

“Today’s State of the European Union speech was a strong one, but the devil will be in the detail,” Doherty said.

“As a member of the European Parliament, I will be pushing for ambition when it comes to implementation.”

The Fine Gael MEP said, “it is clear that on defence there can be no hesitation. We need to be at the heart of discussions on the defence of Europe, including supporting Ukraine. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is our fight, and Europe’s security depends on standing with them.”

“On Gaza, we see a clear change of tone. Ireland’s advocacy is clearly making a difference. I welcome President von der Leyen’s decision to propose sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, and a partial suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement. This marks a real shift in Europe’s approach. But it cannot stop here. Europe cannot be a bystander,” she said.

“And on the economy, we know we need to reduce bureaucracy, slash red tape, build the capital markets union, and deliver more trade deals so that European jobs and innovation are not forced overseas. Too many Irish and European companies are struggling with administrative burdens, which is stymying investment.

Doherty called for Von Der Leyen to implement the findings of the Draghi Report, saying that the EU has been “talking about it for over a year.”

“We can’t waste any more time,” she said.