Ursula von der Leyen Emphasizes Europe's Independence Amid Multiple Threats

Wed Oct 22 2025 02:15:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In her State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlights the urgent need for Europe to assert its independence against threats from Russia and other powers, while proposing new measures to support Ukraine and adjust EU's stance on Israel.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of Europe's ongoing battle against threats from Russia and global powers during her State of the Union speech in Strasbourg. She urged greater independence and proposed new sanctions on Russia and trade restrictions on Israel in response to the war in Gaza. Von der Leyen also announced financial initiatives to support Ukraine and defended a tariff deal with the U.S., emphasizing the importance of transatlantic trade for European jobs.

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is currently facing a multitude of threats, including those posed by Russia and various trade challenges from major global powers, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's address to EU lawmakers on Wednesday. She stressed that Europe must assert its claims for independence.

In her State of the Union speech, von der Leyen announced new measures aimed at supporting Ukraine in its resistance against Russia's ongoing invasion. Additionally, she proposed trade restrictions and sanctions against Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Despite the criticisms surrounding her recent agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which included a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the U.S., von der Leyen defended the deal, asserting the significance of maintaining robust ties with the United States.

Fight for values

Europe is in a fight, von der Leyen explained, emphasizing the struggle for democratic principles and liberty. She highlighted the need for Europe to secure its future amidst a new world order that is increasingly drawn along lines of power and hostility.

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year, she noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no signs of easing hostilities, calling for increased pressure and sanctions on Russia to compel negotiations.

Ukraine’s economy

Von der Leyen also discussed the importance of leveraging frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine’s economy, proposing a reparations loan to address the damage caused by the war. A new initiative, dubbed the drone alliance, was introduced to further support Ukraine’s defense efforts, with a budget of €6 billion (approximately $7 billion).

Freezing support to Israel

In an unprecedented shift from her traditionally strong support for Israel, von der Leyen proposed to freeze some financial aid and impose sanctions in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Lastly, von der Leyen acknowledged the complexity of transatlantic relations, stating, Millions of jobs depend on it, as she reaffirmed the importance of the EU's economic ties with the U.S.