Von der Leyen’s State of the Union: Key Takeaways for a Turbulent Year

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her final State of the Union address to the European Parliament, outlining a strategic vision for the EU as it navigates an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. The speech, delivered on Tuesday, emphasized five core pillars designed to bolster the bloc’s resilience, defense capabilities, and economic competitiveness.

First, von der Leyen stressed the urgent need for the EU to become a “geopolitical actor” with greater military autonomy. She called for a substantial increase in defense spending and faster decision-making processes in foreign policy, arguing that Europe can no longer rely solely on external powers for its security.

Second, the President highlighted the importance of strengthening internal security and managing migration more effectively. She proposed a revised asylum and migration pact that balances border control with humanitarian obligations, aiming to reduce the political tensions that have plagued member states in recent years.

Third, von der Leyen addressed economic competitiveness, particularly in the face of rising protectionism from the United States and China. She urged lawmakers to accelerate the implementation of the Green Deal Industrial Plan and to remove bureaucratic hurdles that hinder European startups and green tech innovation.

Fourth, the speech touched on democratic resilience. Von der Leyen warned against the spread of disinformation and called for stronger measures to protect electoral processes from foreign interference, a concern amplified by recent elections across the continent.

Finally, she reinforced the EU’s commitment to its enlargement policy, stating that the door remains open for Western Balkan countries and Ukraine, provided they meet the necessary democratic and economic criteria. Her address marked a definitive step in her legacy, setting the tone for the Commission’s remaining time in office.