Von der Leyen then turns to water and food security, stressing “the risks of water scarcity for our farmers, SMEs, energy and supply chains.” “Yet European pipes lose almost one litre in every four litres, mostly through leakage. What a waste.” She hails Europe’s farmers for their resilience this summer, and pledges to “support them every step of their way.” She then turns to wildfires, warning that “they are getting more intense, more frequent and more spread out.” “We need to think bigger and learn faster,” she says. She says the EU will work on its preparedness and emergency rules.
She specifically pays tribute to a 46-year-old Danish pilot, Rune Kyndal, who died in a tragic accident in Greece in July when taking part in an emergency mission. With his family in the attendance, von der Leyen says “all of Europe owes him,” as the parliament raises to a standing ovation for Kyndal.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
