Ursula von der Leyen put forward her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Europe. Key initiatives include a new Clean Industrial Deal to drive decarbonisation and industrial growth, and a European Competitiveness Fund to boost innovation. She announced that she would boost security by doubling Europol’s staff and tripling the number of European Border and Coast Guards to 30 000. She proposed a European Democracy Shield for countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and a European Affordable Housing Plan.
Ms von der Leyen also suggested a plan for agriculture to address the need to adapt to climate change and a Roadmap for Women’s Rights. Saying that “we must enable young people to make the most of Europe’s freedoms”, she highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme, mental health, and tackling issues related to screen time and social media, including addictive practices.
She put significant focus on defence, proposing to create a new post of Commissioner for Defence to drive the European Defence Union and calling for a comprehensive aerial defence system – a European Air Shield – to protect EU airspace and “as a strong symbol of European unity in defence matters”.
Ms von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, reaffirming that “Europe will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes”.
New Commissioner roles she announced include Housing, to tackle the continent’s housing crisis; the Mediterranean, to foster regional stability and cooperation; and Intergenerational Fairness, to ensure policies consider the needs of future generations.
Reaction by MEPs
Responding to her speech, MEPs emphasised the importance of listening more to workers, farmers, and industry voices. They welcomed the new policy focus on housing, and stressed the need for fair international competition, strong support for Ukraine, ending the war in Gaza, and better control of migration. Many called for continued efforts to push back against the rise of far right politics, and to promote social justice, climate action, and gender equality. Several MEPs wanted more focus on the fight against poverty, unemployment, and for a solidarity-based Europe.
Some MEPs also argued for the importance of listening to citizens’ desire for protection, identity, and sovereignty, rejecting excessive regulation and mass immigration while also calling for strategic autonomy. Some condemned current economic and agricultural policies, advocating instead for a Europe of free and sovereign nations.
Watch Ursula von der Leyen’s speech and reactions from MEPs.
