Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen gave her annual State of the European Union address on Wednesday, 10 September in Strasbourg. It was an energetic, urgent speech, interrupted at times by standing ovations and shouts of disagreement from right-wing MPs.
Commission President’s address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg was supposed to set out the Commission’s priorities for the months ahead, as the EU faces massive geopolitical and strategic challenges.
Ms von der Leyen appeared at the stage with a 15 minute delay in a khaki style jacket which set the tone for her performance. The speech, in which the president touched on all of the EU’s current problems, was full of urgent gestures and appeals.
European values and liberties under threat
In her opening remarks, Ms von der Leyen warned that “Europe is in a fight (…) in fight for its values, for liberty. Make no mistake: it is a fight for our future. The world of today is unforgiving,” the Commission President stressed. In Ms von der Leyen’s view, “many in the world are openly hostile to Europe….For all of this, a new Europe must emerge. It is an Europe’ independence moment,” she said and underlined the need to “fight”.
Europe is in a fight for its values, for liberty. – Ursula von der Leyen
“The central question of today is simple: do we have the stomach to fight, do we have the political will to protect ourselves? (…) We need more unity among member states, among pro-democratic forces in this House,” urged Commission President, followed by a huge applause.
Ending Ukraine war a priority
Talking about the Russian war in Ukraine—labelled one of the biggest threats to Europe—Commission President recalled the fate of Ukrainian teenager Sasha and his mother who were present in the Parliament. At the age of 11, he was captured by Russian soldiers in his hometown Mariupol and finally managed to escape the invaders and reach the EU.
“However, that is not the end of the story, his heart is still broken,” said Ms von der Leyen, explaining his mother was still among the missing. In this context she announced that the EU will soon host the summit focused on returning of Ukrainian children and received extended applause.
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“Europe will support all diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war,” said Ms von der Leyen and recalled recent developments including an incursion of Russian military drones on Polish territory – no laughing matter as NATO interceptor aircraft were deployed. “We stand in full solidarity with Poland,” she said.
“Gaza is a place of unprecedented suffering”
Ms von der Leyen spent roughly 10 minutes commenting on the dire situation in Gaza Strip. “We see people begging for food, the images from Gaza are truly catastrophic (…) Man-made famine must never be a method of war. For the sake of humanity, this must stop,” she stated firmly.
Man-made famine (in Gaza) must never be a method of war. – Ursula von der Leyen
She also mentioned that for many, Europe’s inability to agree on actions in Gaza are shameful. “We are committed to a two-state solution, that is the only feasible long-term plan,” the Commission President said and underlined that EU’s support to Israel will be put on hold. “We will propose sanctions on extremist ministers and violent settlers and partial suspension of the Association agreement with Israel,” she said adding that “finding a majority among member states for this will be difficult.”
The Commission will set up a Palestine donor group dedicated to post-war Gaza reconstruction.
Competitiveness as a central piece of the EU
A big focus in Ms von der Leyen’s speech was put on Europe’ competitiveness. She announced massive investments in digital sector and clean high-tech stressing that “business in Europe must be made easier”
“Limited availability of risk capital jeopardises our efforts, investments in young companies in critical fields are a must. (…). We need to finish the single market, especially in the field of finances, energy, and telecommunications,” said Commission President. She also announced that Commission will propose a Single Market Road Map until 2028.
Energy transformation is central for our push to energy independence. – Ursula von der Leyen
According to Ms von der Leyen, EU is now the a global leader of clean energy. “Energy transformation is central for our push to energy independence. The transition must support people, must support industry,” she said adding that energy bills are still too high. “We need to get rid of dirty Russian fossil fuels completely. Investments into interconnectors, new grids are essential,” commented Ursula von der Leyen.
The Commission President also addressed what she called European housing crisis. “A radical overhaul is needed, it must be easier to build new houses, we must adopt new approach to short-term rentals,” she said. Ms von der Leyen also announced that a European Housing Summit will be held soon. “Housing is about dignity, about our future”.
Shouting from far-right benches
While talking about democracy and rule of law that guarantee European freedoms, her speech was interrupted by multiple shouting from far-right MEPs. It forced Parliament President Roberta Metsola to warn that if shouting does not cease, they would be forced leave the House.
“Disinformation is dangerous for our democracy. We will protect independent media (…) AMedia Resilience Programme will be set. Free press is backbone for any democracy,” Ms von der Leyen explained in this part of her speech.
Salute to Greek firefighters
In the very end, Commission President paid tribute to Greek firefighters who helped defend a village in northern Spain from flames this summer. In this context, she mentioned that the climate crisis is urgent and that rising temperatures are contributing to increasingly severe fires in Europe.
“You are the heros,” said Ms von der Leyen to the firefighters, whose leader was present in the Parliament. She concluded her speech with an urgent appeal: “Remember, we always need to fight for our freedom (…) Long live Europe!”
