Von der Leyen promised Europeans a similar "struggle for freedom" to the Ukrainian one

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that under her leadership the body would devote itself to "freedom struggles" similar to those waged by Ukrainians.

"I believe that our generation of Europeans must fight for freedom and sovereignty again," she said on November 27, speaking at a session of the European Parliament in a speech published on the EC website.

The politician also made the assertion that the fight for freedom "unites all Europeans," although it may be different now than it was in past generations. Such a course may require "hard decisions" to shape "a future in a confrontational and unstable world," the EC chief said.

Earlier in the day, the European Parliament approved the new composition of the European Commission headed by von der Leyen, who was re-elected for a new five-year term in the summer. In particular, former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was appointed head of EU diplomacy. According to Politico, the candidates chosen by von der Leyen significantly strengthened her position in the newly formed EC and gave her full control over affairs in Brussels.

Von der Leyen's actions in her post have drawn criticism from a number of politicians. For example, Norbert Kleinwächter, a member of the Bundestag from the Alternative for Germany (AdG) party, said that the EC head was turning into a "queen," and Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, resigned in protest against her course.