Von der Leyen, in his State of the EU speech: Bulgaria and Romania proved that they are part of Schengen. Let's get them!

During her appearance in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen says nothing about whether she is seeking a second term as head of the EU Commission. But it does secure political support — in parliament and among the states.

EU Commission President von der Leyen has announced several measures in the European Parliament to promote climate protection. During her annual State of the European Union address, von der Leyen said she would present a package to promote wind power and speed up approval processes.

Bulgaria and Romania have proven to be part of Schengen, showing “best practices both in terms of asylum and returns” of migrants, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg on Wednesday. She called for the two countries to be allowed “without any delay” into the European free movement area.

The EU Commission President gives her last speech on the state of the EU ahead of the European elections next year. Watch them live stream here.

The tension is high in Brussels: Commission President von der Leyen gives her last speech on the state of the EU ahead of the European elections next year. Which topics will it focus on? By Stephan Überbach. [more]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her last “speech from the throne” for now. The question is whether she is ready to moderate her 'green' course and whether she wants to speed up welcoming new member states.