Ursula von der Leyen | Euronews

English

Europe News

Products containing dangerous chemicals could get EU green label

As the EU pursues its war on red tape, proposed changes to sustainability rules could see harmful chemicals permitted on the bloc’s green investment list, allowing producers to take advantage of policy support and growing demand for environmentally friendly products.

Europe News

Brussels seeks to create single market for European defence

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to create a genuine single market for European defence products and services. How feasible is this idea and what would be the benefits for companies in the sector?

Europe News

European Commission to pitch EU-wide mechanism to pool defence orders

Ursula von der Leyen already unveiled a ReArm Europe proposal earlier this month she said could see up to €800 billion poured into the defence sector over the next four years.

Europe News

EU to tighten controls on steel imports and waste metal flows

The EU plans to tighten controls on steel and aluminium imports to prevent market dumping and restrict countries from blocking waste metal imports.

ADVERTISEMENT

Business

Informal debate in European Parliament shows early industry demands for Circular Economy Act

In partnership with Confindustria

EU officials and industry leaders discussed the upcoming Circular Economy Act, emphasizing regulatory simplification and the need for a unified market for recycled materials.

Europe News

EU steps up support for Syrians but says hope is 'hanging by a thread'

The bloc is pledging almost €2.5 billion in further support but says investments hinge on a 'credible' and 'inclusive' transition.

Europe News

More, better, European: White Paper maps path for EU rearmament

Next week, the EU Commission will present the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, with guidelines on how to boost production and defence readiness in the face of possible Russian military aggression.

Europe News

EU targets Africa’s mineral wealth and green energy in new partnership

EU to invest in critical raw materials processing in South Africa, and transport links to Democratic Republic of Congo, another key source of minerals essential to the energy and digital transitions.

Europe News

Von der Leyen to scope stronger trade ties with mineral rich Vietnam

EU senior officials including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to go on a scoping trip to intensify trade bonds with Vietnam five years after signing a free trade agreement with the south-east Asian country.

Europe News

European Parliament sidelined from new 'rearm Europe’ plan

Some MEPs deplored the Commission's use of Article 122 of the Treaty to avoid a vote on the newly proposed €150 billion instrument for defence funding. Others are less concerned.

Europe News

Six takeaways as Ursula von der Leyen marks 100 days in office

President Donald Trump's withdrawal of support for Ukraine has up-ended EU relations with the US in her first 100 days, and prompted pledges to ramp up defence spending.

Europe News

EU leaders' summit ends with Orbán vetoing conclusions on Ukraine

While all EU leaders backed conclusions on bolstering European defence, the Hungarian prime minister opted out of the statements on the bloc's ongoing support to Kyiv.

Europe News

How can the EU unlock up to €800bn for its ‘rearmament plan’?

The EU Commission has unveiled plans to borrow €150 billion to fund a major rearmament push. This joint borrowing proposal comes in the form of loans rather than grants—an idea largely rejected by so-called 'frugal' countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.

Europe News

Don't roll back electric in auto action plan, warns lobby

Kristian Ruby, secretary-general of Eurelectric, acknowledged that while the electricity sector benefits from the EU’s electric agenda, it remains open to discussions with major car industry players. However, he emphasised the importance of avoiding any rollback of the agenda.

Europe News

Commission touts action plan for steel industry faced with US tariffs

The Commission has pledged an action plan for the steel industry to be launched in mid-March, days after US President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs against the sector are slated to come into force, beckoning the onset of a trade war.

Europe News

Brussels insists US is 'an ally' after Trump halts aid to Ukraine

Brussels has avoided criticising Washington for the suspension of military aid, which could have serious repercussions for Ukraine's fight against Russia.

Europe News

Commission pitches '€800bn' defence package ahead of leaders' summit

EU leaders will gather in Brussels on Thursday for an extraordinary summit dedicated to defence and Ukraine.

Europe News

The Trump-Zelenskyy clash, seen from Ukraine

Reactions from shocked European officials stacked onto social media over the weekend, following the heated exchange in front of TV cameras between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, with the German foreign minister calling it the start of a nefarious new era.

Europe News

EU must 'urgently' rearm and turn Ukraine into 'steel porcupine': VDL

Ursula von der Leyen has called for "comprehensive" security guarantees for Ukraine that can deter future Russian aggression.

Europe News

Europe on the brink: US-Ukraine rift puts spotlight on continent

Europe faces existential questions about its security future in the wake of the Oval office blow-up between presidents Zelenskyy and Trump. A summit in London tomorrow will be critical.