The speech by von der Leyen for Slovenian MEPs is in line with expectations
Strasbourg – Slovenian MEPs mostly assessed that the speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in line with expectations in their initial reactions. However, some were surprised by her tightening of the stance regarding Israel and the situation in the Gaza area.
Von der Leyen strongly condemned the events in the Gaza area. She announced that the European Commission would temporarily suspend bilateral support for Israel and that she would propose freezing the trade part of the EU-Israel association agreement and sanctions against far-right politicians.
Romana Tomc (EPP/SDS) stated that von der Leyen’s performance was disappointing. In her opinion, it was quite unbalanced and politically inconsistent. She also believed that the Commission President did not correctly assess the situation in the European Union.
Vladimir Prebilič (Greens) was positively surprised by the first sharper criticism from the Commission President regarding the situation in Gaza. He described the announced sanctions against Israel as the first step in the right direction. In the field of energy, he welcomed the introduction of a new package for electrical networks. He also finds it appropriate that the President addressed housing issues.
“Action against Israel for genocide in Gaza, the offered deadline to Parliament, and the call to the community – this is the main takeaway from President von der Leyen’s performance in Strasbourg today,” highlighted Matjaž Nemec (S&D/SD) in his response.
“Overall, I cannot say that we heard much new regarding the EU itself and its future,” emphasized Marjan Šarec (Renew/Liberty) in his response. He believes that the announcement of a change in the relationship with Israel is a new moment in the foreign policy of the European Commission.
