18 July MEP Manuela Ripa (ÖDP - the Nature Conservation Party) on the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen

Ripa: "European rule of law and the implementation of the European Green Deal remain a priority!"

(Brussels/18.07.2024) MEP Manuela Ripa from the "ÖDP - die Naturschutzpartei" has agreed to Ursula von der Leyen's second term of office in the vote in the European Parliament. Ripa expects the old and new Commission President to press ahead with the "European Green Deal", as she promised today. Manuela Ripa commented: "The European Green Deal writes the script for a fundamental transformation of the European economy and society, the goal of which remains climate neutrality by 2050. Ursula von der Leyen must drive forward Europe's pioneering role through the massive expansion of renewable energies and the transition to a climate-neutral industrial policy. This will not only counteract global warming, but also increase European competitiveness."

The politician from the "ÖDP - the Nature Conservation Party" is counting on von der Leyen to bring the "European Green Deal" project, which she herself initiated, to a successful conclusion and wants to support her in this to the best of her ability. In addition to climate neutrality, the package contains important elements for more ecological agriculture and thus for sustainable food production. Manuela Ripa points out that 80 percent of habitats and 70 percent of soils in the EU are in a poor state. As a result, more and more species are being lost.

Particularly noteworthy is von der Leyen's intention to finally directly remunerate environmental protection measures in agriculture, which is largely financed by the EU. " Itherefore very much welcome the fact that the old and new Commission President wants to tackle key ÖDP demands, which we can now emphasize in concrete terms, such as a fair income for farmers, that they do not have to sell their products below production costs and that they should finally be adequately remunerated for environmental protection, " Manuela Ripa comments on the new direction.

In addition, the candidate for Commission President has announced an "Act for a Circular Economy", which is important for ecological policy, with the aim of contributing to the decarbonization of the economy by preserving products for longer and changing consumer behaviour. The fact that she declared the era of fossil fuels to be over in her political speech underpins her firm intention to implement a climate-neutral industrial policy.

As a member of the EU Parliament's Culture Committee, Ripa refers to Ursula von der Leyen's intention to focus more strongly on the cultural and, above all, mental development of young people. The influence of digital development and in particular the negative impact of many social networks and media is to be the subject of an EU-wide investigation by the Commission. "Protecting the younger generation from the dangers posed by digital media is of crucial importance, especially for the development of our children's brains and personalities. I am therefore delighted that the old and new Commission President is focusing on this issue," explains the MEP, referring to the old ÖDP demand to allow more analog options rather than always relying on digital solutions.

However, the MEP also emphasizes that she does not agree with Ursula von der Leyen on everything. In particular, references to her administration during the fight against the pandemic raise questions that need to be clarified. But she sees no other person who can implement the "European Green Deal" project with the same authority.

But the issues of democracy and the rule of law are also a reason to vote for Ursula von der Leyen for a second mandate. "The rise of the far right in the European elections is also putting pressure on ecological issues. A few days ago, the 'Patriots for Europe' formed a new, far-right group in Parliament that would prefer to overturn the European Green Deal altogether. Taken together, the three far-right groups have more MEPs than the largest group in the EPP. As Ursula von der Leyen has clearly distanced herself from right-wing populist parties and has opted for a coalition of democratic parties for her re-election, I have given her my vote. The rule of law must not be up for grabs," says Manuela Ripa, who also welcomes the fact that the candidate is campaigning for a right of initiative for the European Parliament, which is in line with an important ÖDP demand.

Manuela Ripa makes it clear that her decision has nothing to do with her change of political group, especially as her former Greens/EFA group has also joined the so-called "Gestaltungsmehrheit" in the European Parliament and voted overwhelmingly in favor of von der Leyen. "However, a vote against Ursula von der Leyen would have been a triumph for the radicals, especially on the right. Weighing up all aspects, it was therefore important to support the democratic and constitutional majority," concluded the MEP.