Ursula von der Leyen calls for European independence and security reforms in State of the Union address
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined plans for European strategic independence, defense reforms, and economic competitiveness in her State of the Union speech.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her sixth State of the Union address in Brussels, emphasizing the need for European strategic independence amid shifting global dynamics. Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she cautioned that the bloc is simultaneously stronger and more vulnerable than ever.
Addressing challenges involving major powers such as China and the United States, von der Leyen called for a new European security architecture and increased defense industrial capacity. She stressed economic competitiveness, noting, "Europe must be a place where it is easy to do business, easy to invest, and easy to expand."
The address also covered pressing issues such as high energy costs, artificial intelligence regulation, migration reform, and climate adaptation, specifically referencing recent wildfires in Croatia.
Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 14, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCEU leaders at Split summit focus on defense, energy and regional security
- Oct 12, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCEU leaders address economic resilience and regional security at Split summit
- Oct 11, 2026, 07:00 AM UTCEuropean leaders examine defense, economic strategy, and regional stability
- Oct 8, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCEU leaders address Mediterranean security, energy, and Balkan reforms at Split summit
- Oct 7, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCVon der Leyen outlines EU security and economic priorities at annual address
- Oct 6, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCVon der Leyen calls for stronger European security architecture and economic autonomy
- Oct 4, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCEU chief calls for economic independence and security overhaul in speech
- Oct 4, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCUrsula von der Leyen calls for stronger European security and economic independence
- Oct 3, 2026, 08:00 PM UTCVon der Leyen outlines priorities for EU security and economic resilience
- Oct 3, 2026, 07:30 AM UTCVon der Leyen outlines strategy for European security and economic independence