Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has just kicked off the upcoming political term in the EU at the European Parliament. She is maintaining the Commission’s focus on security, com­pe­ti­ti­ve­ness and the green transition. This is obviously the right course, and it has the full backing of Danish Shipping.

“Europe must become greener, more competitive and able to stand much more firmly on its own. Otherwise, we will be hopelessly overtaken by China and the US. Von der Leyen highlights all the right things. But far too little is happening if Europe’s position in the world is truly to change,” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.

Europe’s com­pe­ti­ti­ve­ness has long been a matter of concern among Danish and European businesses. Danish Shipping therefore commends the Commission President’s intention to strengthen both Europe’s internal trade opportunities and trade with other parts of the world.

“The EU must be strengthened both internally and externally. We need a sharper focus and concrete action to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and endless reporting that makes no difference in the real world. For a very long time, we have been calling for the EU’s excellent climate regulation to be followed up with concrete investments in producing the green fuels that the shipping industry needs. It is unsustainable that more is not being invested in this. And the EU should step up its work on concluding trade agreements with like-minded partners in India, Mexico, Mercosur and other countries,” said Anne H. Steffensen.

Read the full speech here.