4:29 11 September 2025
Von der Leyen urges unity
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, warning that Europe faces a hostile world and must defend its values and independence. She condemned the violation of Polish and EU airspace by Russian drones and pledged full solidarity with Poland. Von der Leyen proposed a reparations loan for Ukraine, funded through immobilized Russian assets, stressing Russia—not European taxpayers—should bear the cost of war.
She announced plans to suspend bilateral EU support to Israel, propose sanctions against extremist ministers and settlers, and partially suspend the Association Agreement’s trade provisions, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Von der Leyen reaffirmed commitment to the European Green Deal, noting the EU’s leadership in clean technology. She also urged enlargement to Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, and promised safeguards for farmers under the Mercosur trade deal.
