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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Outlined the Next Phase of the European Green Deal in Her Annual State of the Union Speech

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the next phase of the European Green Deal in her annual State of the Union speech on Wednesday, with a focus on industrial policy. She emphasized the importance of supporting European industry during the transition to a greener economy. Von der Leyen announced the launch of a European Wind Power package and an anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles from China.

Reactions to Von der Leyen’s speech were mixed. The renewable and electricity industry welcomed the speech, with SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger saying Europe should do whatever it takes to keep its competitive edge. Environmental organizations, however, criticized it for delays and diluted ambition, with the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) saying the speech concealed setbacks, delays, and broken promises.

The EU Commission chief also announced the launch of an anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles coming from China, warning that “Europe is open for competition, not for a race to the bottom.”

The POLITICO Europe article “What Ursula von der Leyen said vs. what she meant” provides an in-depth look at the speech, while the EURACTIV article “Von der Leyen outlines ‘next phase of European Green Deal’, with heavy industry focus” provides a comprehensive overview of the new initiatives. Both articles offer valuable insight into the European Green Deal and the Commission President’s plans for the future.

Von der Leyen’s speech was an important step in the transition to a greener economy, and it is clear that the EU is committed to supporting European industry during this process. With the launch of the European Wind Power package and the anti-subsidy investigation into electric vehicles from China, the EU is taking steps to ensure that its industry remains competitive in the global market.