Reintke (Greens) insists: ready to take responsibility with von der Leyen, but don’t talk to us about the ECR

Brussels – Ready to lend a hand for a European agenda that offers a sustainable strategy for industries by strengthening the Green Deal, but no talk of alliances with the right-wing ECR. European Greens, with their group co-chair in the European Parliament Terry Reintke, open up again and offer their support for a second term as President of the European Commission for Ursula von der Leyen but reiterate their clear “no” to deals with the radical right.

Reintke recalls that “on Monday, the heads of state are expected to nominate Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as President of the Commission. After that, von der Leyen will have to be confirmed by the European Parliament in order to take office again. She will need a stable and democratic majority. The EU must be able to produce legislation to deal with the threats and obstacles it faces.”

“We are ready to take responsibility and secure an agenda for Europe that builds a sustainable strategy for our industries and for jobs and reduces uncertainty by strengthening investments and the Green Deal,” the co-chair said.

“However, one thing is clear: the Greens/EFA will not be part of a majority with the far-right. Across the EU, and beyond, it’s clear that teaming up with the far-right leads to backsliding human rights, climate action and weakens stable and democratic institutions,” Reintke stressed.

“Instead, the Greens/EFA Group wants to see an agreement that ensures a stable majority that is reliable, democratic, and pro-European, without the far right, like the ECR. Together as democratic forces, we have a shared responsibility to defend EU democracy and strengthen the EU for our citizens,” the German politician finally clarified.