The State of the Union

Von der Leyen: 'The time has come for Europe to fight for its independence'

In a State of the Union address, Ursula von der Leyen outlined a strategy that includes new efforts in defence, energy and the economy.

From our correspondent Beda Romano

10 September 2025

Ursula von der Leyen. REUTERS/Yves Herman

3' min read

Key points

The political context
Economic choices
Leadership?

3' min read

STRASBOURG - In an increasingly uncertain and dangerous international context, the President of the European Commission today, Wednesday 10 September, launched an appeal for unity among the EU institutions: "The time has come for Europe to fight for its independence". In a speech on the State of the Union, Ursula von der Leyen outlined a strategy that includes new efforts in defence, energy, and the economy.

"Our Union," explained the President in a speech that was interrupted by numerous applause from MEPs in plenary here in Strasbourg, "must be able to take care of our defence and security; to take full control of the technologies and energy sources that will fuel our economies; to decide what kind of society we want to live in; to allow us to be open to the world, but also to choose partnerships with old and new allies.

The political context

On the frontline of the Russian war in Ukraine, the European Commission intends to use the cash in Russian accounts in Europe to lend money to Kiev, which will 'repay the loan only after Russia has paid reparations'. At the same time, the EU intends to enter into an alliance with Ukraine to build drones, with an initial injection of six billion euros. The aim for Europe should be to help Kiev increase production and to benefit from the Ukrainian know-howUkrainian .

The announcement came after the Polish authorities overnight announced Russian drone attacks on their territory. Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that he was in permanent contact with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and that he had put Polish police forces in some regions of the country on high alert. Expressing 'full solidarity with Poland' in the chamber, Mrs von der Leyen was greeted with a standing ovation.

Von der Leyen: "Ue solidale con Polonia", standing ovation a Strasburgo

In her speech, the President of the European Commission also addressed the delicate relationship with Israel. After wavering for months, Brussels announced more drastic measures against the Jewish state because of the war in Gaza: 'We will present two new proposals to the Council. We will propose sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers. We will also propose a partial suspension of the Association Agreement with regard to trade issues'.

The economic choices

On the economic front, the European Commission announced a roadmap to strengthen the single market by 2028. The EU executive will want to further liberalise and integrate the service, energy and telecommunications sectors, all economic sectors that have so far remained largely national. On the environmental front, Brussels intends to impose Made in Europe in public procurement dedicated to clean tech, i.e. environmental technology.

Also on this front, President von der Leyen confirmed that she firmly believes in the proposal to cut harmful emissions by 90 per cent by 2040 (in cars, 'the future is electric'). In her speech, however, she admitted the cost issue. He did not draw up figures or measures, but explained that 'the transition must support people and strengthen industry' and that it is therefore necessary to 'massively increase our public and private investments'.

Leadership Revival?

This year's State of the Union address came at a delicate time for Mrs von der Leyen. The last few weeks have been marked by more than a few travails. In a Cluster 17 poll conducted in the five largest European countries and just published by Le Grand Continent, 75% of the respondents believe that the president has defended European interests badly. As many as 60% of those polled called for her resignation.

In this sense, today's speech should be seen as an attempt to turn the page. The President of the Commission wanted to be proactive and combative, attempting to use the uncertain world scenario and the fragile European order to her advantage. In essence, in this way she wanted to justify her choices and perhaps even ultimately strengthen her leadership at a time when the EU is fighting 'for (its, ndr) future'.

With this in mind, Ms von der Leyen wanted representatives of civil society to be present in the chamber. She then introduced the deputies to a Ukrainian boy, Sasha, who was captured by the Russians and managed to escape with the help of his grandmother. Likewise present in the chamber was a Greek firefighter, Lieutenant Nikolaos Paisios, who fought fires in Spain with his platoon during the summer, alongside the local police forces.

Beda RomanoCorrispondente
- @BedaRomano
Luogo: Bruxelles
Lingue parlate: francese, tedesco, inglese
Argomenti: Affari europei
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