Ursula von der Leyen, the nominee for European Commission presidency, vowed to make Europe the first "climate neutral" continent in the world by 2050 in a speech at the European Parliament on Tuesday ahead of a crucial vote.
"I want Europe to become the first climate neutral continent in the world by 2050," she said. "I will put forward a 'green deal' for Europe in my first 100 days in office. I will put forward the first ever European climate law which will set the 2050 target in law."
Von der Leyen, who earlier this week resigned as German defense minister regardless of the EU lawmakers' decision, needs 374 votes for an absolute majority of the 751-member legislature. Lawmakers will cast a secret ballot at 1600 GMT.
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If approved, she would make history as the European Commission's first female leader. However, her nomination as a compromise candidate by EU leaders as part of horse-trading has angered some lawmakers who had put forward their own candidates.
The 60-year-old German conservative called for unity, trying to win over the fragmented parliament, where eurosceptics made big gains in May elections, and Britain's Brexit party emerged as the biggest in the legislature.
"Whoever wants to see Europe strengthen, grow, and flourish will have me as a passionate fighter on their side. But whoever wants Europe to weaken, divide and abandon its values will have me as a bitter opponent," von der Leyen told parliament.
"If we are united on the inside, nobody will divide us on the outside," added von der Leyen, who grew up in Brussels and switched fluently between German, French, and English in her speech.
Ambitious climate plan
Members of the European Parliament applaud after the speech of designated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a debate on her election at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, July 16, 2019. /Reuters Photo
Climate neutrality means emissions are balanced by methods of removing warming gases from the atmosphere. In November 2018, the European Commission presented its vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy by 2050.
Von der Leyen pledged the European Union will "lead international ambition" on fighting climate change. She said the EU must go beyond its 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent, compared to 1990 levels, if it is to produce zero net emission by 2050.
At least 24 of the 28 EU member countries have pledged to set a target of a carbon neutral Europe by mid century where it emits no more greenhouse gas emissions than it absorbs.
Eastern countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have so far refrained from issuing such a pledge amid concerns about financing their transition away from their dependence on coal and fossil fuels.
"I will propose a sustainable Europe investment plan and turn parts of the European Investment Bank into a climate bank," the German defense minister added.
Brexit delay if necessary
Speaking of the Brexit deadlock, von der Leyen said she would support delaying Britain's exit from the EU beyond an October 31 deadline if necessary.
Even if the German defense minister's Brussels appointment is confirmed later Tuesday, she will not take office until November 1, after the Brexit cut-off, but her view may carry weight.
"I stand ready for further extension of the withdrawal date should more time be required for a good reason," von der Leyen told a European Parliament ahead of a vote on her candidacy.
Von der Leyen's remarks triggered howls of derision from pro-Brexit members of the European Parliament, as said sought to tackle key areas of uncertainty caused by Britain's shock June 2016 vote to leave the bloc.
She stressed, for example, the importance of preserving the rights of citizens on both sides of the divide and maintaining peace on the island of Ireland: "These two priorities are mine too."
(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)