The new President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen commenced her five-year term today.
Ms von der Leyen began her new job by stating that the responsibility of new College of Commissioners is to keep pace with a changing Europe.
Ms von der Leyen, the former German Defence Minister, took over the role from Jean-Claude Juncker and is the first woman to hold the position.
Speaking at a ceremony to begin the term of new commissioners in Brussels today, she said she felt a responsibility towards their predecessors at the Commission.
The ceremony also marked the 10th anniversary of the Treaty of Lisbon.
🇪🇺Europe is not just a treasure we inherit.
Europe is a promise.
Europe is future.
Europe is something that we all have to build – brick by brick, day by day. pic.twitter.com/WS43OkOaB3— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 1, 2019
She said: Starting today, we are the guardians of the Treaties, the custodians of the Lisbon spirit. I feel this responsibility.
“But it is also a responsibility towards our children. The responsibility to leave them a Union that is stronger than the one we have inherited.
She said it was their duty to “preserve” the “treasure” that was Europe at peace, with “unprecedented economic opportunities [and] greater rights and liberties than in any other place in the world”.
She continued: “It is our duty to preserve this treasure. For me, this is almost personal.
“But Europe is not just a treasure we inherit. Europe is a promise. Europe is future. Europe is something that we all have to build – brick by brick, day by day.
“Europe is changing fast. Our responsibility is to accompany such change. To leave no one behind. To be a champion for our fellow Europeans – with their dreams and aspirations.
Former Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel also commenced his term as EU Council President today, taking over from Donald Tusk.
A total of 27 new commissioners began their new roles today.
