Von der Leyen gives annual address – DW – 09/13/2023

Ursula Von der Leyen has addressed the achievements reached during her tenure in the field of women’s rights, including the base principle that equal work equals equal pay.

“Our work is far from over. We must continue to push for progress together,” she said, addressing women’s rights. She added that another legal text was needed on that path, one that enshrines that “no means no.”

EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has started her annual state of the union speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Von der Leyen said that the time ahead of next year’s European election was a time to reflect, but also time to decide on “what kind of future and what kind of Europe they want.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to deliver her annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on Wednesday.

The speech usually features the head of the EU’s executive arm showcasing past achievements, and overviewing priorities for the future.

You’ll be able to watch live here on DW. The speech should start at or around 9 a.m. CEST (0700 GMT/UTC).

Von der Leyen’s term, ongoing since 2019, is due to end next year, with the EU elections slated for June. It remains to be seen whether the German former defense minister will seek a second term.

Though she has lost a couple of commissioners, she is still well-placed to seek a fresh term.