The criticism arises as von der Leyen encounters increasing dissent from Spanish socialists from Sánchez’s party, a crucial element of her leading coalition in the European Parliament. Last week, senior lawmakers criticized comments from the Commission president, where she stated “Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old-world order, for a world that has gone and will not return.”
Representatives for von der Leyen declined to comment.
Von der Leyen has expressed cautious criticism of the U.S. and Israel, asserting that the Iranian regime deserves to fall while advocating for diplomatic resolutions to the conflict. During her State of the Union speech in September, the European Commission President announced she would stop bilateral payments to Israel and impose sanctions on “extremist ministers.”
Spain is set to hold parliamentary elections by next August at the latest, with von der Leyen’s center-right European People’s Party seeking to gain government control — as its national affiliate, the Partido Popular, consistently leads over Sánchez’s socialists in polls.
Borrell also addressed the EU’s challenge of unlocking €90 billion in vital funds for Ukraine after Hungary and Slovakia’s last-minute veto, calling on Kyiv to fix a Russian oil pipeline to their countries via Ukrainian territory. These governments, he stated, “openly breached the principle of sincere cooperation which is part of the Treaties” by not honoring their agreement.
“This is an issue for the Court. The other 25 could provide a bridge loan until the EU loan is approved,” Borrell added, dismissing the charm offensive employed by the bloc’s current leadership.
Representatives for von der Leyen declined to comment, while representatives for Kallas did not immediately respond.
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