The N-VA conditionally supports European Commission President von der Leyen’s new term of office

The European Parliament today approved Ursula von der Leyen’s second term of office as European Commission President. The N-VA took a constructive stance and supported the candidature, albeit conditionally. “We need stability and feasible policies,” says N-VA delegation head Johan Van Overtveldt.

Van Overtveldt points out that there is no realistic alternative for the position of Commission President. “The challenges facing the European Union are immense against a turbulent background. Chaos is not an option,” he states. Earlier this week, von der Leyen explained her vision for the ECR The N-VA is a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), a conservative, eurorealistic parliamentary group in the European Parliament. The N-VA shares their realistic view of the European project and also advocates for the correct and intensive application of the subsidiarity principle. For example, we must not be afraid to ask ourselves if it would be better to leave certain European initiatives to the Member States. The N-VA also identifies with the emphases that the ECR places on the social-economic issues. Since the 2014 elections, the ECR has become the third largest parliamentary group in the European Parliament. ECR group to which the N-VA belongs. She answered the questions put to her with welcome realism. 

The N-VA expected to see adjustments in von der Leyen’s policy plans compared to the previous legislature. And these also emerged in her statement during the plenary session in the European Parliament. “For example, we welcome the explicit attention that will be paid to the purchasing power of citizens and the Competitiveness The extent to which companies in one country can compete with similar companies in another country. A law came into force in Belgium in 1996 to monitor competitiveness. This stipulates that Belgian salaries may not evolve faster than the average of those in the three neighbouring countries. The Central Economic Council (CEC) performs an annual measurement to see if the objectives have been obtained. competitiveness of our companies. Something we asked for throughout the previous legislature,” Van Overtveldt responds with satisfaction. 

Positive measures

The N-VA is also positive about a series of measures that can strengthen the economic fabric and are important for Flanders. This concerns strengthening the single market, developing a capital markets union and devoting attention to SMEs, respectively. An effort would also be made to reduce the regulatory burden on entrepreneurs and farmers. “Ms von der Leyen is aiming for a reduction in the reporting burden from Europe. We will hold her to that promise,” he warns. 

Security and migration

It appears that von der Leyen wants to take firm steps on security and migration, for which she will find an ally in the N-VA. Aside from a new European Commissioner for Defence, she wants to ramp up investment in defence, including through the private sector. In addition, she plans to substantially strengthen European security agencies such as Europol and Frontex. Finally, von der Leyen plans a faster and more efficient migrant return policy. MEP Assita Kanko already promises that she will watch this critically. “One step forward is not enough, especially for migration policy. In addition, women’s rights and rape crimes must be taken seriously. I will watch this closely through the LIBE Committee.”

No overstepping of powers

What the N-VA cannot endorse is the voluntaristic view on the enlargement of the European Union. Opening up the EU treaty is also out of the question for the N-VA. Furthermore, a statement by the Commission President pays great attention to the development of a European housing policy - a competence of Member States and federated states, not of European institutions. The N-VA will continue to oppose such overstepping of powers.

Follow critically

As far as the Green Deal is concerned, the N-VA will follow its impact critically. Kris Van Dijck, who will sit on the European Parliament’s energy committee, plans to keep a close watch on the feasibility and affordability of the Green Deal objectives. “For example, nuclear energy is and will remain crucial for our Flemish energy-intensive industry sector and for our energy independence, as well as for the reconciliation between climate ambitions and our competitiveness in general,” he states.

“Only when legislation is actually on the table can we assess it. We will always do so critically, in the interest of our Flemish citizens and companies,” Van Overtveldt concludes.