EU leader declares it’s time for Europe’s ‘moment of autonomy’ amid war and global power strains

In her impactful State of the Union address in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the European Union’s imperative to assert its independence amid rising global tensions. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to its core values and democracies, advocating for Europe to chart its own course in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Von der Leyen outlined several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. She proposed establishing a “drone alliance” with Ukraine and allocating €6 billion to boost drone production, recognizing their critical role in modern warfare. She also suggested using approximately €200 billion in frozen Russian assets, currently held in a Belgian clearing house, to support Ukraine’s economic recovery. The annual interest from these assets, around €3.5 billion, is already being directed toward stabilizing Ukraine’s economy.

Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, von der Leyen announced a shift in policy, advocating for the freezing of certain financial support to Israel and the implementation of trade restrictions and sanctions. She condemned the use of famine as a wartime tactic, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to human rights. To aid Gaza’s reconstruction, she proposed forming a new donor group focused on rebuilding efforts.

Addressing the EU’s trade relations, von der Leyen defended a recent agreement with the United States that includes a 15% tariff on European exports. Despite criticism from some member states, she underscored the strategic necessity of maintaining strong transatlantic ties to safeguard millions of European jobs.

In conclusion, von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to its values and the need for collective action to secure Europe’s future and independence amidst global challenges and uncertainties.