Members of the European Parliament questioned Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the annual State of the European Union debate, focusing on security, Ukraine, Gaza, competitiveness, and EU-US trade.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the session by emphasizing the need for clear leadership in challenging times. “In these unprecedented times, we need clarity and we need resolve to steer Europe. We need a Europe that takes responsibility for its own security, makes it easier for businesses, and protects jobs. A Europe which is fairer and one that stands up for our democratic values. When the world feels too often like it is on fire, with Russian aggression against Ukraine and the horrific situation in Gaza, this Parliament is eager for Europe to step up with new and bold ideas.”
Commission President von der Leyen outlined her vision for Europe’s autonomy in defense, technology, energy, and societal direction. “This must be Europe’s independence moment”, said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Europe must be able to take care of its own defence and security, control the technologies and energies that will fuel its economies, decide what kind of society and democracy we want to live in and be open to the world.
Addressing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, von der Leyen announced plans for a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russia and a faster reduction of Russian fossil fuel imports. She also introduced proposals such as a “Qualitative Military Edge” program aimed at supporting Ukrainian military investment and an “Eastern Flank Watch” initiative to bolster European strategic capabilities. She addressed recent airspace violations by Russian drones: “Europe stands in full solidarity with Poland”, she said with regard to the “reckless and unprecedented” violation of Poland’s and Europe’s airspace by Russian drones.
On Gaza, von der Leyen condemned using famine as a weapon: “man-made famine can never be a weapon of war. For the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity – this must stop.” The Commission intends to pause bilateral support to Israel, propose sanctions against extremist ministers and violent settlers, and partially suspend trade-related aspects of its Association Agreement with Israel. Von der Leyen added: “Europe’s goal must be ‘real security for Israel and a safe present and future for all Palestinians. And that means that the hostages must be released’.”
Von der Leyen discussed economic measures including introducing a digital euro as well as forming a savings-and-investments union intended to benefit companies and consumers across Europe. She announced several new initiatives: a multi-billion euro “Scaleup Europe Fund” targeting investments in high-growth tech firms; a “Battery Booster” package supporting domestic battery production; a “Quality Jobs Act”; and an anti-poverty strategy aiming to eradicate poverty by 2050.
Regarding EU-US trade relations, she stated: “We have the best agreement, without any doubt”, providing crucial stability and preventing a full-fledged trade war.
Political group leaders presented varied responses:
Manfred Weber (EPP) commended efforts on reducing bureaucracy, strengthening defense policy, cutting illegal migration flows, supporting EU-US/Mercosur deals over risking trade wars; he called for pragmatic climate action.
Iratxe García (S&D) questioned Europe’s urgency versus ambition regarding both internal interests—criticizing aspects of US trade—and external action on Gaza.
Jordan Bardella (PfE) objected to Mercosur negotiations as well as lower tariffs on Chinese vehicles; he argued current US agreements undermine French industries.
Nicola Procaccini (ECR) supported US tariff arrangements but warned that environmental regulations hinder competitiveness; he welcomed recent migration proposals focused on effective returns.
Valerie Hayer (Renew) urged stronger EU integration amid waning public trust; she advocated reforms around sovereignty as well as more robust action defending democracy against threats from Russia or Israel.
Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA) called for shifting from market thinking toward global power status while investing further in renewables—linking climate policy directly with security concerns.
Martin Schirdewan (The Left) labeled free-trade policies capitulation leading to poverty increases alongside welfare cuts; he criticized perceived double standards regarding humanitarian crises such as Gaza.
René Aust (ESN) attributed economic stagnation to insufficient entrepreneurial freedom while linking migration policy with increased violence within Europe.
