Ursula von der Leyen

I’m glad that Fatih Birol joined our College discussion this morning to share his insights.

The expertise of the IEA is precious and its data and analysis play a crucial role in guiding our decisions

That is why we must continue improving the functioning of our energy market, attracting more investment in clean tech and moving forward with the transition towards clean, homegrown energy.

This is crucial for our energy security, affordability & independence and, equally, for our competitiveness.

Today, Europe’s energy system is cleaner, much more diverse - and much more stable than a few years ago.

Yet the developments in the Middle East remind us once again of the risks of relying still too much on fossil fuels.

We will work intensely with experts and stakeholders, including our youth, to forge a strong and realistic European approach to keep our children safe in the digital age.

By the summer, the special panel will publish its recommendations for further action.

In Europe, tech platforms already have a responsibility to ensure the safety of users.

But we must also do more to protect and empower our young people online.

This is the aim of the special panel.

Today, I hosted the first meeting of a special panel on child safety online.

For decades, we have made the real world safer for children and we must do the same in the digital world.

The positive opportunities that technology offers cannot come at the cost of their safety, health or happiness.

Competitiveness starts with energy - affordable, secure, and clean power to fuel our industry.

And in today’s geopolitical reality, cutting even further our energy dependencies is more urgent than ever.

See you very soon for an important European Council.

Welkom in Brussel @minister-president.bsky.social Jetten!

I look forward to working closely with you.

Especially for a strong, independent and truly competitive Europe.

We also discussed the wider impact of the developments in the Middle East on energy prices, on energy security and on availability of badly needed defence materials.

Just spoke with President Zelenskyy.

We are focused on our shared priorities: conclude the adoption of the Ukraine Support Loan and of the 20th package of sanctions.

Competitiveness is our goal.

Social is our essence.

We're acting for a strong social Europe.

By empowering workers and entrepreneurs.

Supporting skills and quality jobs.

And working for affordable housing.

My speech at the European Employment and Social Rights Forum ↓
link.europa.eu/6MXQvD

This afternoon, we will discuss the overall situation in the meeting of the Security College.

Because from energy to nuclear, migration to security, Europe must be prepared for the fall-out from recent events.

Third, the stability of the region is of the utmost importance.

The only lasting resolution is a diplomatic one.

This means a credible transition for Iran which includes the halt to both the nuclear and ballistic programmes, as well as an end to destabilising action in the region.

Second, we must do everything possible to de-escalate and stop the conflict spreading.

Iran must cease its reckless and indiscriminate attacks on its neighbours and sovereign countries.

The situation in the Middle East remains volatile.

But three things are clear:

First, there is renewed hope for the long-suffering people of Iran.

We strongly support their right to determine their own future.

While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat.

I talked with 🇨🇾 President Christodulides who briefed me on the single incident that occurred shortly after midnight involving an unmanned aerial vehicle targeting the British base in Akrotiri.

I welcome Türkiye’s readiness to mediate and support a resolution through peaceful means. We agree that diplomacy is the only viable path forward.

I also appreciate the President’s preparedness efforts to deal with a potential impact of this crisis on migration. We already work closely on Syria.

Good phone call President Erdoğan of Türkiye tonight.

The instability in the region impacts us both profoundly, so close coordination is essential.

We have each been in contact with key regional partners today to assess the situation and discuss steps to de-escalate.

This is the only viable way to halt the downward spiral of violence and prevent further escalation.

Europe will continue to engage with international and regional partners to help restore stability in the Middle East.

His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and I discussed the urgent need to reduce tensions and bring Iran onto a path of peaceful transition and diplomatic dialogue.

This crisis underscores the importance of further strengthening political dialogue between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

I am grateful for the role Oman has played in the indirect negotiations between the US and Iran.

And it will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in the crucial days and weeks ahead, in promoting stability across the region.

I spoke with His Majesty the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq this evening.

I strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Oman’s territory and expressed Europe’s full solidarity.

The security of the Gulf is closely interlinked with our own. This is in Europe’s strategic interest as well.

The country has been a consistent voice of wisdom, driving engagement and dialogue.

We stand at Bahrain’s side in pursuing a diplomatic solution for lasting stability and peace in the region.

The Iranian strikes in Manama were unjustified and unacceptable, I told HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

I expressed my full solidarity with the people of Bahrain.

We stand at Bahrain’s side in pursuing a diplomatic solution for lasting stability and peace in the region.

The security of the Gulf is closely interlinked with our own. This is in Europe’s strategic interest as well.

The European Union–Gulf Cooperation Council partnership will only get stronger in the period ahead.

I just spoke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

As our strategic partner, we will work closely with you to de-escalate and safeguard regional stability.

You can count on our full support in these turbulent times.