STRASBOURG – “Europe has chosen to forge its own path. And a stronger, independent Europe is now emerging. This is a Europe that is securing its prosperity. One that is breaking free from its toxic dependency on Russian fossil fuels. That has become the greatest trading power on the planet. That is transforming its industrial policy while upholding our unique social model”, stated President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in her annual “State of the Union” speech, which was delivered today at the European Parliament.
Speaking about the further enlargement of the EU, she stressed it will continue to be a merit-based process.
“And because their future lies within our Union, we will soon be proposing roadmaps for the candidates that have made most progress”, Ursula von der Leyen stressed.
She remarked that respect for the European values is non-negotiable, adding that she “was horrified by the pictures from Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade last week”.
“There is no place in the EU for the glorification of the war criminals”, President of the EC underlined.
According to Von der Leyen, the EU “has an image problem but not outside its borders”.
“We also have to win back the hearts of Europeans. Because we need only look beyond our borders to see that this European idea is still very much alive”, she stated.
Speaking about the “urgent need” for “reimagining European partnerships”, President of the EC noted that she had invited Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the “State of the Union” address.
“Dear Mark, I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU. We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well”, she stressed.
Elaborating on the current conditions in the EU, Ursula von der Leyen cited the British novelist Charles Dickens.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, this is how Charles Dickens describes Europe in the days of the French Revolution. And it is also a fair description of the world we live in. The speed of change is incredible. The challenges exceptional. So if I look at Europe today, my take is this: the state of our Union is the strongest it has ever been. The state of our Union can also feel as precarious as it has ever been. These two statements may seem incompatible. But they are both true. And they reflect these exceptional times. This complex age of great possibilities and great perils, which all countries are seeking to navigate”, she said.
In her opinion, Europe is “better able to defend itself than ever before”, and has increased defence spending by almost 80 % in the last five years alone.
“This is a Europe that stands up for each other. As we are doing by standing with Ukraine as it fights for its future and for our freedom. Or when we stood up for Greenland when it was threatened. Or when drones, hybrid attacks or disinformation target our democracies. All of this proves one thing. That Europe is there for Europeans. And that in the cold fragility of today’s world, only Europe can provide true sovereignty to Europeans”, Ursula von der Leyen assessed.
