“We will uphold the unique quality of life of Europeans – across Europe”. In her speech to the plenary session of the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen touched on several points including the economy, security, migration and the Green Deal. She did not fail to make some references to the lives of citizens, suggesting that we need a budget adapted to the current challenges and pointing to a possible reform of the treaties. “We must work to tackle the issues that regions face – from changing demographics, to climate change or the need for modern infrastructure”, she said. “And this goes to the heart of freedom” because “for many people, freedom is about choosing where to live, work and study. Choosing whether to bring up their families in another part of Europe or where they grew up. As Enrico Letta put it: ‘the freedom to stay’. I want regions and communities to be in control of their own destiny – and to help shape our policies. This is the task of cohesion and reforms that I have entrusted as Executive Vice-President to Raffaele Fitto”. At another point in her speech, she said: “Since the start of my first mandate, I promised an approach to migration that is both fair and firm. That guarantees sovereignty and solidarity. With stricter rules but also stronger guarantees for individual rights. And we will work on opening up legal pathways” for migration. Magnus Brunner is the commissioner appointed to deal with such issues. He will work “to secure our external borders and bolster our internal security”.