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Von der Leyen warns of risk to democracy in Germany

European Commission President said that perpetrators must “feel the full force of the law.”…reports Asian Lite News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Wednesday for decisive action to address attacks on politicians in Germany.

Von der Leyen’s remarks, in a speech to her centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) in Berlin, come after a series of attacks on politicians, most recently on a Green Party candidate in Dresden as well as the local leader in Berlin of the Social Democrats (SPD) on Tuesday.

“When we talk about threats to our democracy, it’s not just about positions and content. It’s also about people,” the German politician said. “If these people are no longer safe, then our democracy is no longer safe either.”

She said that perpetrators must “feel the full force of the law.”

“We must protect all those who stand up for our democratic society and our country from attacks – regardless of which party they belong to, whether privately, during election campaigns or in the exercise of their duties, day or night.”

Von der Leyen stressed that applies to politicians at every level, from local town councils to the German parliament as well as the European Parliament.

On Friday of last week, SPD politician Matthias Ecke, a member of the European Parliament, was beaten and seriously injured by four young men while putting up campaign posters in the eastern German city of Dresden.

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EU’s Von Der Leyen Visits Ukraine on 2nd War Anniversary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion.

In a post on X: she posted: “In Kyiv to mark the anniversary of the 2nd year of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

“More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally. Until the country is finally free.”

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Ukraine needs ‘hard work, determination’ to join EU: Von der Leyen

The European Commission chief said the path towards EU membership required reforms in many areas including tackling corruption, reports Asian Lite News

Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union (EU) is “within reach” but requires “hard work, determination and above all unity of purpose,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

Addressing the Ukrainian parliament via video link, she said the path towards EU membership required reforms in many areas including tackling corruption. She also took note of the steps Ukraine had already taken in this direction.

“You have created an impressive anti-corruption machine. But now these institutions need teeth, and the right people in senior posts,” she said.

Von der Leyen said Ukraine should appoint new heads for the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and National Anti-Corruption Bureau as soon as possible.

She also highlighted the need to reform Ukraine’s constitutional court, which requires legislation outlining selection procedures for judges, in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

“Many of the laws and institutions you need are already in place. Now is the time to translate rules and bodies into positive and enduring change,” she said.

Von der Leyen was addressing the Ukrainian parliament following the approval of Ukraine and Moldova as candidates for EU membership on June 23.

Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after the conflict with Russia had begun at the end of February. The country handed over its application on Feb. 28, while Moldova applied for EU membership on March 3. (ANI/Xinhua)

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