Von der Leyen outlines strategy for security and economic independence in State of the Union

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Posted Oct 2, 2026, 02:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-02-1430

Von der Leyen outlines strategy for security and economic independence in State of the Union — Photo: Index

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a new security architecture and greater economic independence in her State of the Union address.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the Union address, outlining strategic priorities for the European Union amid heightened global security risks and economic competition. Quoting Charles Dickens to describe Europe as both stronger and "more vulnerable than ever," von der Leyen urged the bloc to construct a new security architecture and reduce strategic dependencies on foreign powers like the United States and China.

She highlighted the need for market competitiveness, stating that Europe must become a place where it is "easy to do business, easy to invest and easy to scale up." Her speech also addressed high energy prices, migration reform, critical raw materials, and urgent climate adaptation measures, referencing recent environmental disasters across member states. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended alongside the address.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik

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