Ursula von der Leyen is described as lacking vision and having a solitary and vertical approach to power, with a work method that involves taking credit for herself. As she marks two years at the head of the executive, there is a notable lack of enthusiasm among her administration.

The European Commission has unveiled ambitious climate change policies aiming to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% below 1990 levels by 2030, with the goal of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The proposals include a carbon border adjustment mechanism and an expansion of the carbon market. While some environmental groups praised the effort, others criticized it for not being ambitious enough or for potentially placing a financial burden on European citizens. The U.S. and other nations are urged to follow suit. Key figures like Frans Timmermans and Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency and social balance of the proposals.

European Parliament members, including Radosław Sikorski, David Mc Allister, and Arnaud Danjean, express concerns about continuous efforts by hostile foreign actors to influence the political agenda. They address their worries in a letter to the President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, highlighting the need for vigilance and action against such interference.

The geopolitical and philosophical question of Poland's position in Europe has gained renewed interest since the start of the war in Ukraine. As the sixth-largest economy in the EU with 38 million inhabitants, Poland is at the forefront of the conflict, sharing a 535-kilometer border with Ukraine and hosting over 3 million refugees. The country strives to be seen as a principal ally of Volodymyr.

The European Union, anticipating a potential full disruption of Russian gas, has proposed that member states reduce their gas consumption by 15 percent compared to the five-year average for the same period. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the proposal in response to Russia's reduced gas flows and threats, which have raised concerns about energy shortages in Europe. The proposal includes switching to alternative fuels and energy-saving measures, with the possibility of making cuts binding if the situation worsens. The EU has also approved a seventh round of sanctions on Russia and is seeking new energy suppliers, such as a recent gas deal with Azerbaijan. The reliance on Russian energy and the urgency to secure alternatives have sparked debate over the EU's climate commitments.

European lawmakers voted to classify some nuclear and natural gas power as 'green' energy, a decision that could influence climate policy for years. The EU taxonomy framework aims to guide investments towards climate neutrality by 2050. The vote, influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising energy prices, has sparked debate. Supporters argue it aids the transition to renewables, while critics, including environmentalists and activists like Greta Thunberg, fear it undermines climate goals and increases dependency on Russian fuels. The European Commission is preparing emergency plans to address energy disruptions and winter preparedness.

Millions of Ukrainians fled to European Union countries following Russia's invasion, with Poland and Hungary among the primary destinations. The EU enacted the Temporary Protection Directive, granting refugees the right to live, work, and access social services. Central and eastern European countries are hosting a disproportionate share of refugees, which may influence future EU migration policies. The response to this crisis contrasts with the EU's handling of the 2015-2016 refugee influx, highlighting the potential for more effective large-scale displacement management.

The European Commission has recommended Ukraine for EU candidate status, emphasizing the country's commitment to European values despite the ongoing war with Russia. The recommendation, which also includes Moldova, requires improvements in judiciary and governance. This move, supported by leaders of Germany, France, and Italy, signals a strong European backing for Ukraine and a message to Russia. Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelensky, welcomed the decision, viewing it as a step closer to EU membership. The final decision will be made at the upcoming European Council summit, where all 27 member states must agree.

European Union countries have agreed to phase out seaborne imports of Russian oil, marking a significant move to impact Russia's economy amid the war in Ukraine. The deal includes exemptions for pipeline oil, primarily benefiting Hungary, which had resisted the agreement. The sanctions package also targets Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, and bans three Russian state-owned broadcasters. The EU's decision reflects a shift from its previous dependency on Russian energy, although the compromise falls short of a full embargo. Analysts predict continued high oil prices globally, despite a reduction in Russian exports.

EU countries have agreed to phase out seaborne Russian oil imports, marking a significant move against Russia's economy due to the war in Ukraine. The deal includes exemptions for pipeline oil, notably for Hungary, which had been a holdout. The EU's sixth round of sanctions will also remove Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, from the SWIFT system and ban three Russian state-owned broadcasters. The sanctions aim to target high-ranking military officers and others linked to potential war crimes in Ukraine. Despite the sanctions, Russia has maintained its revenue from fossil fuel sales due to high prices.