Wednesday, March 11th 2026
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen today emphasized the EU’s “unwavering” commitment to international law and the UN Charter, following criticism caused by her recent remarks that Europe can no longer rely on a “rules-based system”, reports Anadolu.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Von der Leyen said that the EU remains firmly anchored in the principles that shaped its founding.
“The European Union was founded as a project of peace. Our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of peace, to the principles of the UN Charter and to international law are as central today as they were at our creation. And we will always uphold these principles,” she said.
Her remarks came two days after she faced backlash for saying that “Europe cannot be no longer a guardian of the old world order,” comments that critics argued could signal a shift away from the rules-based international system.
Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell countered suggestions that the rules-based international order is becoming obsolete, stressing that international law remains binding under EU treaties and that “its expiration cannot be decreed by anyone in a speech”.
Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz also criticized her remarks, saying: “We must demand respect for international law. That is why what Ursula von der Leyen just said is insufficient”. which has been under attack by the US and Israel since February 28, accusing it of decades of oppression against its own population.
At the same time, she emphasized that recognizing the nature of the Iranian regime does not diminish Europe’s commitment to international norms. “Seeing the world as it is in no way diminishes our determination to fight for the world we want,” she said.
– A return to Russian fossil fuels “would be a strategic mistake”
Von der Leyen warned that rising tensions in the Middle East are already affecting global energy markets, with gas prices rising by around 50 percent and oil prices by 27 percent since the start. of the conflict.
She said the price hike has already cost European taxpayers an extra 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in fossil fuel imports in just 10 days, highlighting what she called “the price of our dependence” on energy from unstable regions.
Von der Leyen pointed to differences in taxation between EU countries and stressed that taxes and tariffs remain a national competence, but can significantly affect energy prices.
Some members tax electricity much more heavily than gas, she said, citing examples where retail electricity is taxed at 0 percent in one country but exceeds 16 percent in others.
“This makes a difference. There is room for action,” she added.
Von der Leyen urged EU countries to stay the course of the EU’s long-term energy strategy. bloc, including the expansion of renewables and nuclear power, warning against calls to return to Russian fossil fuels.
“This would be a strategic mistake,” she said, arguing that it would make Europe “more dependent, more vulnerable and weaker.”
We use cookies to improve the experience and display ads (Google AdSense).
By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the use of cookies according to
Privacy Policy
and
Cookies Policy.
You can reject non-necessary cookies by clicking “Reject”.
Source: prizrenpost
Etiketa: Brief
