11.09.2025
In the annual State of the Union debate, MEPs commented on the work of the Commission chaired by President von der Leyen and asked about its future plans
At the start of the plenary debate, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: "In times of uncertainty, we need clarity and the will to lead Europe. We need a Europe that takes responsibility for its own security, facilitates business and protects jobs. A Europe that is fairer and defends our democratic values. Too often it seems that the whole world is on fire when Russia invades Ukraine and the situation in Gaza is appalling. Then the European Parliament's position is that Europe needs to respond with new and bold ideas.”
Ursula von de Leyen: We need our freedom, independence and democracy.
"This must be the moment of European independence," said Ursula von der Leyen in her speech. Europe must be able to ensure its own security and defence, master the technologies that drive its economy, decide what kind of society and democracy it wants to be and be open to the rest of the world, said von der Leyen.
You can listen to the speech Union Status from this link
