In her State of the Union address in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the European Union to assert its independence amid rising global tensions. She outlined the multitude of challenges facing Europe, including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, intensifying trade disputes, and complex relationships with major world powers. Emphasizing the need for Europe to safeguard its values and democratic principles, von der Leyen declared that the continent is in a “fight for our future,” indicating a shift towards greater autonomy in response to external pressures.
Regarding the Ukraine crisis, she announced new measures to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia, including additional sanctions on Russian energy revenues and the establishment of a “drone alliance” with financial backing of €6 billion. Moreover, she proposed using frozen Russian assets in Europe to aid Ukraine’s economic recovery.
In a noteworthy shift from her previous strong support of Israel, von der Leyen suggested freezing specific EU financial aid and imposing sanctions on Israel due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. She condemned the use of famine in warfare and advocated for forming a new donor group dedicated to Gaza’s reconstruction.
On trade, von der Leyen defended a recent agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump that includes a 15% tariff on EU exports, emphasizing the need to protect European jobs and industries. She highlighted the importance of navigating global trade challenges while safeguarding the EU’s economic interests.
Overall, von der Leyen’s address marked a pivotal moment for the EU, signaling its commitment to increased independence and proactive engagement with contemporary global issues, reinforcing Europe’s position within a rapidly changing international landscape.
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