STRASBOURG – The VVD, CDA, GroenLinks-PvdA, and D66 are in favor of the additional measures that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen considers essential, along with increased support for Ukraine. Conversely, BBB disagrees, asserting that defense does not fall under EU competence. This response follows von der Leyen’s annual address delivered on Wednesday in the European Parliament.
VVD MEP Malik Azmani stated, “The drone incident last night highlights the urgency of this support. It’s time for action. Europe must stand independently.”
BBB faction leader Sander Smit criticized von der Leyen for sounding overly like a “field marshal.” He believes she should concentrate on the EU’s fundamental tasks.
D66, NSC, and Volt are calling for stronger leadership from the Commission President, while SGP argues that there is an excess of regulation at the European level.
Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (D66) remarked, “There’s a significant disparity between her rhetoric and her outcomes. She tends to yield too readily to EU member states instead of being assertive.” Reinier van Lanschot (Volt) and Bas Eickhout (GroenLinks-PvdA) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for action over words. “With 27 leaders, it’s challenging to set the course, but it’s impossible to steer the ship,” Van Lanschot observed.
Dirk Gotink from NSC asserted, “Europe requires leadership in these uncertain times. The period for dialogue has passed. As a Union, we must act to maintain our credibility on the world stage.”
Bert-Jan Ruissen (SGP) commented that von der Leyen “is still too fixated on a unified Europe.”
(September 10, 2025)
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