18 July 2024 — News
We warmly congratulate Ursula von der Leyen for her second term as President of the European Commission (EC). Von der Leyen’s experienced and steady leadership will be crucial. Her proven ability to guide the EU through multiple crises underscores her suitability for this pivotal role.
“Over the past five years, the EU has made significant strides under von der Leyen’s leadership. We have committed to ambitious climate targets, enacted key legislation for Europe’s sustainable transition, safeguarded citizens and the economy against a global pandemic, and mounted a strong response to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership has been instrumental in these achievements.”
Olivier Boutellis-Taft, Accountancy Europe’s CEO
Looking ahead, Europe will continue to grapple with polycrises: intensifying climate change impacts, growing inequalities, geopolitical instability and threats, potential ramifications of rapid technological advancements, pressures on global value chains, competitiveness challenges, and political instability within and beyond Europe.
Von der Leyen’s second term will undoubtedly face significant hurdles. However, her experience, track record, and proven leadership give Europe a fighting chance to address these challenges and shape its role in a rapidly changing world.
Accountancy Europe looks forward to collaborating closely with the EC and other EU institutions to develop practical solutions, leverage our members’ technical expertise, and support companies of all sizes in adapting to new realities.
“EU legislation can be improved and simplified. We need to ensure that rules, whether on sustainability, tax, access to finance or others, achieve their objectives in the most effective manner without creating unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses, including SMEs. We need more pragmatism and less burdens, more focus on effective impact and less bureaucratic compliance. This is where the accountancy profession is committed to continue helping”.
Olivier Boutellis-Taft, Accountancy Europe’s CEO
Photo: © European Union, 2023. All Rights Reserved.