Von der Leyen outlines strategy for European security and economic independence

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Posted Oct 3, 2026, 07:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-03-0730
Von der Leyen outlines strategy for European security and economic independence
Photo: Index

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the EU to build a new security architecture and boost economic competitiveness during her State of the Union address.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament in her sixth State of the Union speech, emphasizing the need for a resilient European security architecture and reduced economic dependence on global powers like the United States and China. Describing the European Union as simultaneously stronger and more vulnerable, she urged member nations to enhance competitiveness by ensuring the region remains "easy to do business, easy to invest and easy to scale up."

Her priorities spanned defense sector expansion, migration reform, artificial intelligence, energy costs, and climate adaptation, specifically citing recent wildfires in Croatia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the session, reinforcing strategic transatlantic ties as the bloc faces heightened geopolitical volatility and environmental shocks.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik

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