Five Things From EU Chief’s First State of the Union Speech

09/16/2020

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BBC News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has delivered her first State of the Union address, outlining her vision for the future of the European Union (EU).
 
The Commission drafts EU laws, enforces EU rules and has the power to impose fines on member states if necessary.
 
Here are five key areas Mrs von der Leyen touched on in her wide-ranging speech.

 

1) Climate change

 
The EU chief spoke at length about the environment, and announced an ambitious plan to cut the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions.
 
She said the target was to reduce emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 – up from an earlier goal of 40%.
 
“There is no more urgent need for acceleration than when it comes to the future of our fragile planet,” Mrs von der Leyen said.
 
“While much of the world’s activity froze during lockdowns and shutdowns, the planet continued to get dangerously hotter,” she added. “The 2030 target is ambitious, achievable, and beneficial.”
 
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