The first 100 days of the von der Leyen Commission: the first big steps on our journey

This morning, President von der Leyen presented the main challenges facing her Commission on the 100th day of her mandate during a press conference. The Commission is now dealing with new, pressing priorities, namely the situation at the Greek-Turkish border and the COVID-19 outbreak. At the same time, we remain committed to driving the work on the twin transition, towards a green and digital Europe. The von der Leyen Commission is therefore acting on all fronts. Tonight, President von der Leyen will meet Turkish President Erdoğan to discuss solutions to end the pressure at the EU's external borders. In parallel, the Commission is coordinating an EU-wide effort to solve the issue of unattended minors on the Greek islands. As regards the COVID-19 outbreak, the Commission's Response Team is working with the Member States on preparedness, risk assessment, joint procurement and funding of research on diagnostics, treatment and vaccines. In view of these new priorities, President von der Leyen highlighted the need for a swift agreement on the next long-term EU budget, today more than ever. On the twin transition that Europe facing, the von der Leyen Commission has moved from talk to action within its first 100 days. The European Green Deal has sent a clear message worldwide and the European Climate Law presented last week has turned the hard ambition of becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 into hard legislation. In the digital area, the Commission has introduced milestones, with a common position of risks linked to 5G networks rollout, a White Paper on Artificial Intelligence and a Data Strategy. The President's opening remarks at the press conference will be soon available here. A press release and factsheets are also available online, as well as an op-ed by President von der Leyen: ‘Move fast, build to last: Europe's new generation'.

For more information:

Eric Mamer – Tel.: +32 229-94073
Dana Spinant – Tel.: +32 229 90150