Anne Calteux, Head of Representation for the EU Commission in Luxembourg, appeared on RTL Radio on Thursday to discuss the ongoing situation within the European Union.
"Europe is in a fight", declared EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, in her State of the European Union speech. "Battlelines for a new world order based on power are being drawn right now."
On Thursday morning, Anne Calteux, Head of Representation for the EU Commission in Luxembourg, spoke to RTL Radio about the challenges faced by the EU in an ever-changing world.
Rough seas within the European Parliament
Anne Calteux said there were many challenges at a geopolitical level requiring strong leadership, and that would be found under the current president. The tone of von der Leyen's speech was both solemn and combative, calling for faster action and quicker implementation of priorities. The atmosphere within the parliament is rough, with plenty of tension between the different factions, and it is becoming harder to get ideas through the European Parliament, she said.
EU Commission has halted funding for Israel
The EU has put a stop to funding for Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, therefore the Commission had chosen to act on this level, Calteux explained. There is no unanimous decision within the EU on sanctions, but these are not empty statements by von der Leyen. The Commission President hopes to convince member states to take further action.
The EU's trade agreement with the US, which has been heavily criticised, is the best possible result, said Calteux. Now there is predictability and negotiations with the US can continue.
Age limit for social media use
The EU is also preparing a framework for establishing age restrictions on social media. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram should only be used from a certain age onwards. Calteux said this issue lies close to von der Leyen's heart, and that she understands the concerns raised by parents. The Commission will consult experts to draw up the best proposal, potentially using Australia as an example, where social media is only allowed for people aged 16 and over.
