Ursula von der Leyen has vowed to not weaken Europe's efforts to tackle climate change, if she wins a second five-year term as President of the European Commission, the EU's most powerful body.

She has been addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg in a bid to retain her seat as Commission President.

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she outlined her priorities for the next five years, covering issues like European prosperity and competitiveness, defence and security and global challenges.

"The bloodshed in Gaza must stop now" she said to applause, while calling for an enduring ceasefire along with the release of Israeli hostages.

She said the people in the Middle East deserved peace, security and prosperity, and recommitted to a two-state Solution.

Ms von der Leyen also spoke about Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine, and promised never again to rely on "dirty Russian fossil fuels".

Voting takes place at 12pm Irish time with a result around two hours later.

Ms von der Leyen must secure 361 votes to retain her seat.

There was also huge applause when Ms von der Leyen spoke about "a European Prime Minister" who went on "an appeasement mission" to Russia in recent weeks, in a thinly veiled reference to Viktor Orbán’s visit to Moscow.

In a document setting out her plans for another term, Ms von der Leyen committed to propose new climate policies.

These include a legally binding European Union target to cut emissions by 90% by 2040.

"We must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal," the document said, referring to the package of climate policies that Ms von der Leyen made the core mission of her first five-years in office.

The next EU Commission, if led by her, would continue with the EU's existing CO2-cutting policies, and propose new measures to help European industries stay competitive while they invest in curbing emissions.

Ms von der Leyen pledged to deliver a "clean industrial deal" within her first 100 days in office.

The climate-friendly commitments are likely to help her win votes from Green EU politicians, when the European Parliament votes on whether to approve her for a second five-year term.

Read more: All eyes on Ursula von der Leyen ahead of crunch EU vote

Ms von der Leyen has come under pressure from some EU politicians to weaken parts of Europe's green agenda - including from some in her own centre-right European People's Party group.

However, the document's focus on helping industries stay competitive may help hold on to votes among her conservative colleagues.

Ms von der Leyen indicated she plans to maintain a contentious EU policy to ban sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035 - a target the document said, "creates predictability for investors and manufacturers".

However, it said an upcoming review of the policy would be used to confirm that cars running on e-fuels can count towards the goal.

EPP politicians had demanded assurances on these fuels, which some manufacturers want to grow a market for, because they can be used in conventional combustion engine cars.

Ms von der Leyen, the first woman to head the Commission, needs support from at least 361 MEPs in the 720-member EU Parliament.

She also promised a plan to help countries adapt to worsening climate change, which is unleashing severe drought and deadly wildfires in EU countries including Spain and Greece.

Among the priorities outlined in her document, include the first every European Affordable Housing Model.

Von der Leyen to propose new approach for border management

Ms von der Leyen also pledged to revamp border management, strengthen Frontex and Europol, and to put forward a new approach for the return of migrants.

In the 31-page document setting out her vision she said she will propose to triple the number of European border and coast guards to 30,000.

"We will show no tolerance for those who threaten the security of our borders and our citizens with hybrid attacks," Ms von der Leyen said.

"Hostile actors who push people across the EU's external borders for political purposes should be recognised as a threat to our security and should be sanctioned."

Ms von der Leyen added she will appoint dedicated commissioners for EU enlargement and for relations with the Mediterranean.