As the European elections approach, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the German parliament and lead candidate for the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, shares her views on Europe’s response to the war in Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen’s track record as head of the Commission, and the future of Europe’s green transition. Strack-Zimmermann is a staunch defender of liberal values, especially in the face of the rise of far-right parties in Europe. She voices concerns about the AfD’s potential impact on the European Parliament and emphasizes the importance of promoting free-thinking and individual responsibility in challenging times.
Despite the Renew Europe party trailing in the polls, Strack-Zimmermann remains committed to promoting a green future for Europe. She highlights the challenges posed by excessive bureaucracy on businesses and innovation in achieving the Union’s climate goals. She believes that in order to successfully implement the Green Deal, companies need to be given more flexibility and support to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. Despite the appealing nature of the Green Deal, she warns that an abundance of rules and regulations could hinder its effectiveness.
Strack-Zimmermann expresses disappointment in the European Union’s response to the war in Ukraine, particularly in terms of the delivery of promised ammunition. She believes that if Ukraine were to lose the war, the consequences would be catastrophic not only for the EU but also for the world at large. She criticizes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s stance on the issue of Taurus missiles, which she views as essential for Ukraine’s defense. She calls for greater action from the EU to support Ukraine and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Regarding Ursula von der Leyen’s track record as President of the European Commission, Strack-Zimmermann has mixed feelings. She is disappointed in Von der Leyen’s handling of the situation in Ukraine, given her previous experience as Germany’s Defense Minister. She also expresses concerns about the Commission’s decision to release 10 billion euros in aid to Hungary as part of negotiations with Viktor Orban, questioning the prioritization of European values and human rights. Overall, Strack-Zimmermann sees room for improvement in Von der Leyen’s leadership and hopes for a more proactive approach to addressing critical issues facing the EU.
As the European elections draw near, Strack-Zimmermann emphasizes the importance of defending liberal values and promoting a green future for Europe. Despite the challenges posed by the rise of far-right parties and bureaucratic hurdles, she remains optimistic about the Union’s potential to address pressing issues such as the war in Ukraine and climate change. By advocating for greater support for Ukraine and more efficient implementation of the Green Deal, she hopes to steer Europe towards a brighter and more sustainable future. In doing so, she underscores the need for strong leadership and collective action to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
