Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the lead-up to the European Council meetings, I take this opportunity to call on Ursula von der Leyen to resign her position as President of the European Commission immediately in light of her comments on the conflict in Palestine and her trip to Israel, where she met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After that meeting, she released a statement that backed "Israel's right to defend itself against the Hamas terrorists", justifying Israel's horrific decision to cut off food, water and electricity to civilians in Gaza, as well as the unforgivable bombing of innocent people in Gaza while Israel claimed self-defence. President von der Leyen massively overstepped the mark. Her actions are not only unacceptable but also unforgivable and extremely dangerous. She cannot be allowed to continue in her role as President of the European Commission. In fact, she cannot be allowed to represent the EU in any form any longer. She does not represent Europe as a whole and she certainly does not represent Ireland.

Sadly, however, her comments do reflect the stance of many European leaders and the true nature of the European Union. It is time that true nature was exposed to European citizens. What Europe is slowly turning into before our eyes is a facilitator of war and a supporter of oppressors. In reality, however, it has always been that way. Let us not forget that ten of the world's main colonisers are European countries. In reality, the peace project that is the European Union has never been strong in calling for peace or in standing in solidarity with the oppressed. We, as European citizens, cannot allow Europe to continue to facilitate those calling for war, destruction and a European army in our name. Von der Leyen is just one of many with this view and goal for Europe. I urge Irish people to keep this in mind when voting in the European elections next year. European leaders should value the fundamental principles of human rights and democracy. The undermining of international law is completely unacceptable.

Ursula von der Leyen's position should be discussed at the upcoming European Council meeting as well as the fact that her actions not only bypassed the Council but also disregarded the separation of powers within the European Union, according to which foreign policy is determined not by the Commission but by the Council of the European Union. That is where such policy should be devised, and not by an unelected chairperson of that committee.

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