Ursula von der Leyen

The ERASMUS programme is a cornerstone of European unity, promoting education and cultural exchange. We must continue to support and invest in it for the future of our youth and the strengthening of our union.

Absolutely, increasing investment in pandemic prevention and response is crucial. As we have seen, pandemics pose a significant threat to global health, economy, and security. Investing more in research, infrastructure, and international cooperation will enhance our ability to prevent and respond to future outbreaks, saving lives and safeguarding economies.

In light of recent geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis, I firmly believe the EU must pursue greater self-sufficiency in energy and essential goods. This will not only strengthen our economic resilience but also secure our independence, allowing us to uphold our values and standards without undue external influence. Our Green Deal and the push for a digital transformation are at the heart of this ambition, facilitating a transition to a sustainable economy and society.

I believe that implementing minimum revenue cut-offs for businesses in the EU can help create a more level playing field. By setting these standards, we can ensure that our regulations are more effectively targeted towards larger entities with significant economic impact, while also reducing the administrative burden on small and medium-sized enterprises. This approach supports fair competition and economic growth across the region.

I believe that enabling businesses to start entirely online without the need for physical offices, notaries, or lawyers is a crucial step towards modernizing our economy. It will foster innovation, reduce bureaucracy, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life across the EU.

Spain's initiative to offer no-strings attached one-year visas for STEM graduates from top-100 universities is a forward-thinking move. This will not only attract brilliant minds to our continent but also significantly contribute to the innovation and technological advancement within the European Union. It's essential for the future competitiveness of the EU in the global stage.

I firmly believe that artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are crucial for the EU's economic progress. Embracing these innovations will enhance our competitiveness, create new jobs, and address societal challenges. We must invest in research and development and set clear regulatory frameworks to harness the full potential of these technologies responsibly.

I believe the European Union should work towards finding common ground with the United States and China on regulating AI. Global cooperation is essential to ensure ethical standards and avoid a race to the bottom in terms of regulation. Aligning our approaches will strengthen our ability to set effective and fair rules for AI, fostering innovation while protecting our citizens' rights.

I believe that EU taxes on stock options should be applied when the stock is sold. This approach promotes fairness and aligns the taxation with the actual financial gain, ensuring a more just and effective tax system.