European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged member states to bolster the European Union, emphasizing the necessity of a strengthened and independent Europe in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, von der Leyen highlighted the emergence of new global power dynamics characterized by ambition and conflict. She stated that the world is witnessing the formation of new power blocs and facing a climate where major powers are either unaligned or openly adversarial toward Europe. She described the current environment as “a world of imperial ambitions and imperial wars.
Von der Leyen called for the creation of a “new Europe” advocating for a moment of independence for the bloc. She envisioned the EU taking greater responsibility for its own defense, security and technological and energy sovereignty, believing this is the EU’s mission.
Ultimately, she framed the call to action as a matter of agency and self-determination, declaring that Europe must be empowered to shape its own destiny. Von der Leyen underscored the importance of unity among member states, EU institutions and pro-European, democratic forces, stating a firm conviction that this goal is achievable.
