The Guardian view on Ursula von der Leyen’s first 100 days: the steepest of learning curves | Editorial

Ius press conference On Sunday, it is 100 days since the beginning of its second term as head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Lynne has erred alongside Bakhz when she was asked whether the United States still considered an ally. The answer answered yes, before adding that “we have points of discussion without question.”

It is difficult to argue with that. Regarding the war in Ukraine, international commerce The existential questions related to the future of European defense and security, the geopolitical scene does not carry any similarity to the first thing that Mrs. von der Lin looked at on December 1. Also, Mr. Trump and “America first” have linked dear assumptions about Atlantic allianceThey have also sought He encourages Topolic nationalism in the member states of the European Union.

In France and Germany, the legendary engine of European integration, this was closer to moving forward in an open door. In Paris, days after Mrs. von der Lin, the government of Michelle Barnier Collapse When Marine Le Pen pulled the carpet below it. In Germany, before Elon Musk and JD VANCE defended his case, the extreme right -wing alternative to Für Deutschland had reached high levels of support that would see that it ends comfortably second In February, the sudden in the German elections.

On Sunday, Mrs. von der Layen explained: “Our European values, democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are threatened.” The response, from Brussels and the capitals of patriotism, must be strong and faster than the maze world in the European Union policy industry. Fortunately, the initial signs are positive.

This step last week is by European Union leaders to subject the bases of the financial bloc to military spending, which is likely to liberate 670 billion pounds, is an important step towards achieving greater strategic independence than Washington. This was followed by unusual radical proposals in the same week by the German advisor to wait, Fredchiich Mirz. Beyond constitutionality restriction On the borrowing of the state, these are designed to facilitate not only spending on defense, but also to update the stagnant economy.

After decades, the European Union’s economic policy had deviated because of the traditional debts in Berlin – shared with others “frugal” Member States like the Netherlands and Denmark – this is very various Travel direction. As Europe comes out of a specific era through a non -embarrassing commitment to free trade and relying on the umbrella of the American security, it is also correct. In recognition of the desire of many member states to make the official nature of the common borrowing arrangements that were presented after Covid, Ms. Der Leyen said, “Nothing outside the table” with regard to defense. However, as Druze report He argued last fall, the same type of financial firework is required to face the challenge of green transition and competition with the United States and China for future jobs and industries in the twenty -first century.

Last month in Brussels, a different type of centenary was distinguished when a arrest From a former committee chair, Jacques Delers was revealed. Born in 1925, Mr. Delers became prominent hero Among the “social” vision, in which the joint European Union institutions publish uninterested resources for building Europe where solidarity and growth have been linked. This perspective faded from the show after the neoliberal turn in the 1980s. While Mrs. von der Lin moves in the rest of her five term, it is time again.

• Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you want to provide a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered to be published in our Messages Please section Click here.