Live verfolgen: Ursula von der Leyen hält Rede zur Lage der Europäischen Union

After more than two hours of interventions from MEPs, Ursula von der Leyen has taken the floor again.

Rather than addressing the specific complaints and concerns raised by lawmakers, she has called for political unity and stronger cooperation between the Commission and the Parliament, which she will very much need to advance the main policy initiatives of her second term.

Von der Leyen said the pro-European majority, made up of the European People's Party (EPP), the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), the liberals of Renew Europe and the Greens, was "the only majority that can deliver for Europeans" at a time of multiple challenges coming in "different forms" and from "different directions".

"I will always be ready to bridge differences and find common ground," she told MEPs. "Democracy is strong not only if we have debates, but when it decides and when it delivers."

"You will hold me accountable, that is good, because this also shows that Europe is not some abstract entity," she added. "Europe is you. Europe is us."

There's nothing new about opposition to Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament. Her first mandate saw plenty of recriminations from the left and the right, although most of her initiatives were eventually approved thanks to the support of centrist parties.

But in her second mandate, something has fundamentally changed: the extremes are more powerful and the political centre is weaker.

Just before the summer break, a Eurosceptic lawmaker, Gheorghe Piperea, wrote a motion of censure against von der Leyen and managed to obtain the necessary 72 signatures to bring it to the full hemicycle.

While the motion stood little chance of success, it proved how relatively easy it is to make it happen. As we've just reported, the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group, the third largest in the Parliament, has gathered the 72 signatures to launch a new attempt.

The back-to-back motions reflect an increasingly polarised Parliament and spell bad news for von der Leyen's ambitious agenda.

Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions, didn’t mince words after noticing that “cohesion”—the historical EU funds to reduce economic and social disparities across EU regions —was nowhere to be found in von der Leyen’s speech.

“And the budget proposal rips the heart out, slices it into 27 pieces, and hands it in a bag to the capitals,” she wrote on social media X, adding that Draghi’s lessons in his report were widely misunderstood.

In a recent interview with Euronews, she even evoked popular book series The Hunger Games to describe the risks for EU regions: the new budget structure could pit farmers against city mayors, and agricultural support recipients against those seeking unemployment aid — a real Hunger Games scenario, for those who've read the books or watched the movies.

Bonus for pop-culture fans: Tüttő’s “heart ripped into pieces” imagery might also remind some Potterheads of horcruxes… dark magic for EU budgets, anyone?

Euronews’ Vincenzo Genovese reports from the Parliament that a group of far-right MEPs is preparing to launch a motion of censure later today. It is expected to be announced by Jordan Bardella at a press conference at 2:30 p.m.

Genovese noted last week that both the radical left and the far right were considering tabling separate censure motions against the European Commission.

Von der Leyen already survived a no-confidence vote before the summer break, which highlighted her weakened support compared with the start of her mandate.

Any motion of censure requires the backing of at least 72 MEPs — one tenth of the chamber — before it can be put to a vote in plenary.

Fresh no-confidence votes stalk EU’s Ursula von der Leyen

The radical Left and far-right are about to present two different motions of censure against the Commission. A first vote is expected in October. #EuropeNews…

Timing update for the SOTEU debate: we’re spectacularly late, and at this rate, sandwiches may be required.

As powerful EPP vice-president Esteban González Pons began speaking, we were 87 minutes behind the original schedule.

There are still 16 MEPs left to speak, plus potentially a few more using the catch the eye procedure — brief, spontaneous interventions outside the predetermined speakers’ list.

After that, von der Leyen is scheduled to reply — though she was originally supposed to speak at 11:15. Unless President Metsola works some magic and adjusts the agenda to catch up...

Romanian conservative Gheorghe Piperea, the main architect behind the motion of censure von der Leyen survived in July, showed no sign of letting up.

“Madame von der Leyen, I call on you to resign — I demand it here and now,” he opened his intervention after her SOTEU speech.

Piperea cited a growing pile of censure motions and argued that von der Leyen has lost credibility, referencing a recent survey criticising the EU-US trade agreement. He also highlighted concerns over transparency in public spending and the European Parliament being sidelined on the rearmament agenda.

“Your leadership of the Commission is eroding democracy and weakening member states. Be aware of one thing: you need to go,” he concluded.

“You started with a pledge in your term and you repeated it again today. But we also need to look at reality: how about the implementation and where can we find majorities?” German Green MEP Anna Cavazzini asked in reaction to von der Leyen’s address.

She accused the Commission President’s party of blocking climate action: “Instead of climate help, your own party is attacking important laws. Instead of planning security for companies, you force them to adapt.”

Cavazzini also criticised the EU’s approach to Washington: “Instead of confident negotiations with the US and a strong Europe, the EU is bowing in all possible areas to Trump.”

“If you want to stay on track with the Green Deal, then open the already agreed laws, show backbone and lead,” she added. On digital policy, Cavazzini urged von der Leyen to resist pressure from American tech giants: “When you are serious about digital sovereignty, don’t bow to Trump - finally come with a digital tax. Don’t weaken our AI laws when US big tech companies don’t like it.”

“If you are serious about Europe, then work with those forces that want a strong Europe — and not with the nationalists,” she concluded.

As expected, Ursula von der Leyen's speech had a heavy focus on foreign policy, speaking at large about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Israel's war on Gaza, and transatlantic relations.

However, she spoke very little about one key global actor with which the EU has particularly tense relations: China. The country was mentioned on just two occasions.

First, in the context of the controversial EU-US trade deal.

"Think of the repercussions of a full-fledged trade war with the US. Picture the chaos. And then put that image next to the one from China just last week. China flanked by the leaders of Russia and North Korea," she said, about the Victory Day parade. "Putin gloating about how Russia-China relations are at an unprecedented high."

Second, in the context of green technology. "I believe Europe should have its own E-car," she said. "Because we cannot let China and others conquer this market."

Von der Leyen also made references to the fight against "unfair competition", which often refers to Beijing's heavy use of industrial subsidies and discriminatory regulations.

Italy’s Five Star Movement was unimpressed by von der Leyen’s SOTEU speech. In a note shared with Euronews, they called the Commission President “incapable and dangerous” and demanded she be immediately censured.

With 8 MEPs, the Five Star Movement is the second-largest national delegation in The Left group,  which is gathering support for a motion of censure against von der Leyen.

They slammed her speech for chasing a reckless rearmament policy, criticised her trade deal with Trump, and dismissed her statements on Gaza as “crocodile tears,” accusing the Commission of inaction.

The message is clear: the SOTEU hasn’t given enough reassurances to the opposition, with some groups in the European Parliament whetting the blade as a motion of censure could be coming soon.

MEPs continue taking the floor, and one topic remains high: the EU-US trade deal.

Lawmakers are harshly reproaching Ursula von der Leyen for the lopsided terms included in the agreement, which they describe as a capitulation for the bloc.

Green MEPs are particularly outraged by the pledge to spend $750 billion on American gas, oil and nuclear fuels by the end of Donald Trump's mandate.

Christine Schneider, German MEP for centre-right EPP, was probably at home watching the SOTEU when she got an unexpected shock.

Her name was called by Parliament President Metsola, along with a threat of expulsion from the hemicycle — even though she wasn’t there.

Our European Parliament reporter on the ground, Vincenzo Genovese, got the story: The confusion came from another MEP, Christine Anderson of the German far-right AfD, who had been loudly interrupting von der Leyen during her speech.

Close names, very different people.

Anderson, a notorious critic of von der Leyen (and the EU more broadly), was unsurprisingly vocal throughout the address.

But when Metsola threatened to have her removed from the chamber, she accidentally invoked Schneider’s name — leaving the real Schneider, sick at home, bewildered. 

By far, the most eye-catching section of Ursula von der Leyen's big speech was her intervention about Israel's war on Gaza and her proposal to partially suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Our reporter Maia de la Beaume breaks down what she said.

Von der Leyen announces halt to ‘all payments’ to Israel

In an unusually tough-worded speech, von der Leyen denounced a “man made famine” in Gaza and “a clear attempt” by Israel to “undermine the two state solution”.……

Nicola Procaccini, leader of the European conservatives (ECR) in the Parliament, used his short reply to von der Leyen to sound the alarm on global instability and called for better definition of European priorities.

He began with a stark image: the military parade of China’s leader, alongside Putin and Kim Jong-un, signalling a world where regimes openly aim to reshape the global order — even by force.

“Being aware of this reality does not mean a muscular attitude, but that we strengthen our values, economy, defence, and alliances,” he said.

On trade, Procaccini adopted the same stance of his party leader, Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, cautiously welcoming the EU-US tariff agreement.

He framed it as better than a full-blown trade war between allies, but pointed out that Europe must have the courage to make the right choices at the right time.

He was blunt on the Green Deal, though, mentioned by von der Leyen in her speech: “It was conceived in a different geopolitical era. Today, it is too great an obstacle to European competitiveness.”

He warned that overburdening EU industry with new duties and taxes risks undermining economic growth, which is necessary for defence, welfare, and environmental goals.

But he also highlighted that the EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion has been vacant for a year. “If Europe doesn’t defend the principles that shaped it, it will not defend its interests or borders,” he said, urging swift action.

The incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace has been added to the agenda of the EU ambassadors for their meeting in Brussels later today. The incident marked the first time since the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that a NATO country directly engaged Russian assets in its airspace.

Ambassadors will also discuss the next round of sanctions against Russia, which Ursula von der Leyen previewed during her speech.

"We need more pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. We need more sanctions," she said. "We are particularly looking at phasing out Russian fossil fuels faster. We're looking at the shadow fleet and at third countries."

The co-leader of the Greens group, Bas Eickout, has just left the pulpit after calling on the EU to do more on Gaza and on competitiveness through more sovereign actions and investments.

"We are still playing chess in a boxing match," he said, citing concessions on US tariffs in order to be included in talks on Ukraine security guarantees, and what he said was European inaction over the dramatic situation in Gaza.

"Business as usual is a recipe for another three years of humiliation," Eickout said, urging Europe to stop thinking of itself as a market and to "start acting as a power".

On Gaza, he said he welcomes von der Leyen's proposal to partially suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, but that "we need more". He cited an arms embargo, and an end to imports from illegal Israeli settlements as examples.

Regarding competitiveness, he lambasted the trade deal the Commission signed with the US in which it pledged Europeans would buy €750 billion worth of American energy products.

"This is really a crazy part of the deal with the US and it has to change," he said. "We should invest this money in European renewables."

"Competitiveness is being framed too much as deregulation," he went on, urging Europe to invest more in its workforce, education, infrastructure, and green innovation.

He ended his time at the podium by appealing to EPP leader Manfred Weber to stop collaborating with groups on its right.

"If you want unity, work with the centre," he said.

“What interests are you defending?” Patriots for Europe leader Jordan Bardella asked Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The French nationalist denounced what he called “bad deals”: the Mercosur trade agreement, which he argued would bring lower-quality products into Europe and impoverish French farmers; banning the sale of internal combustion engines cars, which is leading to more imports of Chinese electric vehicles; and the transatlantic trade deal with the US, which he claimed would only benefit American industry.

Bardella accused von der Leyen of solely defending German interests by signing these agreements.

He closed his speech with a stark warning: “The European Union no longer defends Europe. You are leading our peoples towards disappearance and decline. History will judge you harshly - and so will our people.”

One of the main points of contention during today's speech was the trade deal struck by the EU and the US in late July, which has triggered an avalanche of criticism against Ursula von der Leyen and her European Commission. MEPs from across the political spectrum took the floor to lambaste the lopsided agreement.

Reminder: under the deal, the vast majority of EU-made goods bound for the US market are subject to a 15% tariff, while the vast majority of US-made goods bound for the EU market are exempt from duties. Additionally, the bloc has committed to spending $750 billion on American energy, investing $600 billion in the American economy and buying $40 billion worth of American AI chips by the end of Donald Trump's mandate. The US didn't make any similar pledges.

Despite the terrible optics created by the deal, von der Leyen defended the outcome and offered no sign of contrition. "I have heard many things about the deal we agreed on over the summer. I understand the initial reactions," she said.

Von der Leyen resorted to what is by now the Commission's default line: for all its flaws, the EU-US deal is better than other deals signed by Washington. "We have the best agreement, without any doubt," she said, referring to the "zero-for-zero" exemptions that the bloc secured for a select group of goods, such as aircraft, semiconductor equipment and critical raw materials. Brussels, however, has failed to convince White House to include wines and spirits, a highly strategic sector, in the list.

Von der Leyen also insisted the agreement would provide "stability" in EU-US relations, a claim that has been challenged by Donald Trump's tariff threat against countries that enforce Big Tech laws. Notably, at no point did she mention Trump by name.

"I want to be crystal clear on one point: whether on environmental or digital regulation, we set our own standards, we set our own regulations," she said. "Europe will always decide for itself."

Her pitch, though, is unlikely to quell the anger. One day before the big speech in Strasbourg, a new poll showed that a majority of Europeans consider the EU-US trade deal a "humiliation" and want von der Leyen to resign as a result.

Majority of Europeans think EU-US trade deal is a ‘humiliation’: poll

A new poll exposes the widespread backlash against the EU-US trade deal. #EuropeNews…

Iratxe García Pérez, leader of the Socialists in the European Parliament, didn’t hold back after von der Leyen’s speech as she framed the real obstacle to the Commission’s agenda as coming from within her own camp: the European People’s Party and Manfred Weber.

“You did your best, but now you can see who is responsible for the European alliance not working in this house,” García Pérez said, intervening immediately after Weber, who had similarly taken aim at her.

Trade and strategic autonomy were also central to the socialist leader’s reply. She slammed the EU-US deal brokered with Trump, criticising the acceptance of 15% tariffs and pledged billions of euros in oil, gas, and defence investments, which she said were granted without proper authority.

She called for stronger safeguards for European farmers and the activation of the EU’s anti-coercion instrument if the US continues trade attacks.

“Where was Europe when you signed an unfair deal with Trump?” she asked, underscoring the Socialists’ push to amend the agreement to protect EU citizens and the continent’s strategic interests.

Trade, she argued, is inseparable from Europe’s ambition and responsibility: economic sovereignty and protection for European citizens must come first.

Her intervention also touched on climate, housing, and social issues — calling for investment in green transition, digital transformation, defence, and social infrastructure.

The President of the centrist Renew group warned in her post-SOTEU speech that "we are losing Europeans" because Europe "seems weak".

"Weak against Trump, weak against Putin, weak against China, weak on climate," she said. She called for a "more sovereign" and "more federal Europe".

Europe, she said, faces "an existential threat" and a "culture war" that threatens its democratic model and security.

She said Europe currently lacks investments, vision and political will to boost its competitiveness and needs to "go big" on industrial and technological projects.

Like Weber before her, she also called for an end to unanimity in the European Council for sanctions and tax matters but she also called for more powers for the European Parliament as well as for the European Commission president.

Weber criticised socialists for voting against an omnibus regulation on the Green Deal and talking down the EU-US trade deal - specifically targeting Iratxe Garcia, the S&D leader from Spain. "I tell you, this behaviour is splitting the platform. This is what is harming the European agenda," he said, an accusation met with some laughter.

By way of comparison with what he considered a pragmatic socialist approach, Weber cited Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's agenda for the Danish presidency, in which she "spoke about competitiveness, stopping illegal migration and security."

"There are two sides of the socialists' reality, I have to say. There is the socialists of [Spanish Prime Minister Pedro] Sanchez and the socialists of Frederiksen."

"I hope we do don't see the Spanish political reality spreading to Europe," said Weber.

Now that Ursula von der Leyen has delivered her speech, groups' presidents are stepping up to the podium to give their response.

First up was Manfred Weber, leader of the right-wing European People's Party (EPP), who backed Ursula von der Leyen's call to stop using unanimity for foreign affairs questions.

"We are, as Europeans, alone in a stormy world order," Weber said. "Nobody in the global stage is currently listening to us".

Moving on from unanimity would ensure some leaders could not wield vetoes.

"We cannot allow (Hungary's Viktor) Orban and crazy (Slovakia's Robert) Fico to turn the EU into a foolish organisation," Weber said.

Weber called on Germany's Friedrich Merz, France's Emmanuel Macron, and Poland's Donald Tusk to help achieve an end to unanimity.

Remember when von der Leyen surprised everyone with talk of a Europe-led trade initiative with Asian partners — and hinted it could even become an “alternative” to the stalled WTO?

That raised eyebrows, including from WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who quickly rang her up.

Today, the idea resurfaced — but in a more cautious form. Von der Leyen spoke of building “a coalition of like-minded countries to reform the global trading system – like the CPTPP”, which is a multilateral trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Notably, the language about 'replacing' the WTO is gone.

Ursula von der Leyen has concluded her State of the European Union speech.

"80 years ago, our Continent was hell on earth. 40 years ago, our Continent was divided by a Wall. But on each occasion, Europeans decided to fight for a better future to make itself whole – and to make the whole strong. And that is what I will strive for every single day with you, honourable members," she said.

"Long live Europe."

Von der Leyen gave health policy a striking global spin, positioning the EU as a leader at a moment when others — notably the US — are stepping back.

“We are on the brink – or even at the start – of another global health crisis,” she warned.

“This is why today I can announce that the EU will head a new Global Health Resilience Initiative. Because the world is looking to Europe – and Europe is ready to lead.”

She also slipped in a personal note: “As a medical doctor by training, I am appalled by the disinformation that threatens global progress on everything from measles to polio.”

The European Commission will propose to create a new European firefighting hub to be based in Cyprus, Ursula von der Leyen said.

Context: More than a million hectares have been burned so far across Europe this forest fire season, more than three times the 227,627 hectares recorded in the previous year.

"We know it is not a one-off. Climate change is making each summer hotter, harsher, and more dangerous. This is why we have to radically step up our efforts into climate resilience and adaptation, and nature-based solutions. But we must also give ourselves the tools to respond," von der Leyen said.

Ursula von der Leyen has just called for the EU to move from unanimity to a qualified majority on foreign policy, a long-held goal that has been fiercely resisted by some member states. Unanimity allows individual countries to block key decisions, as Hungary has done in relation to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"I want to work with this House and with all pro-European democratic forces to deliver for Europeans. I am working on legislative packages to empower this pro-European majority," she told MEPs.

"I believe that we need to move to qualified majority in some areas, for example in foreign policy.

It is time to break free from the shackles of unanimity," she went on.

"The point is that we need to make sure our Union is faster and can deliver for Europeans. Because this is how we can win this fight together, to deliver Europe’s independence moments. And let's remember that we have always had to fight for our freedoms. From the generation that fought hand to hand across our Continent."

Von der Leyen denounced algorithms that prey on children's vulnerabilities to foster addiction, describing this as a "tsunami of Big Tech" flooding family homes.

"Just as in my days – we as a society – taught our children that they could not smoke, drink

and watch adult content until a certain age. I believe it is time we consider doing the same for social media," she told the European Parliament.

She mentioned that she will convene a panel of experts this year to advise her on the best

approach for Europe.

Ursula von der Leyen says the EU must do "more" to curb irregular arrivals of asylum seekers.

"We need a system that is humane, but we must not be naïve about it. We must be serious about returning rejected asylum seekers to their home countries. We cannot have a situation where only 20 percent of those who are not allowed to stay actually leave Europe," she told MEPs. "We have no more time to lose."

Von der Leyen stressed that the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the all-encompassing reform that will enter into full force next year, depends on the participation of all 27 member states. (Poland and Hungary have rejected its implementation.)

"Of course, we shall always fulfil our international obligations. But we in Europe must be the ones to decide who comes to us and in what circumstances, not the people-smugglers and traffickers," she said.

"They are making millions upon millions with their cynical, false and fatal promises. That is why we must break their business model. It is true that numbers are falling, but too many people are still trying to cross the border illegally and are dying on the way."

Von der Leyen then called for closer cooperation with social media platforms, airline companies and financial services to crack down on the network operated by human traffickers.

"People smuggling is a horrible, criminal business, and no smuggler should be allowed to get away with it in Europe," she said.

On agriculture, von der Leyen stuck to familiar lines. She repeated her go-to phrase — farmers as “custodians of our lands and oceans, our biodiversity” — one she’s used so often it could almost be trademarked.

The rest came straight from the usual playbook: pledges to strengthen farmers’ roles in the food chain, ensure fair prices, and enforce EU rules against unfair trading practices.

But there was one new element: a fresh promotional push under the banner “Buy European Food”.

“Because we can proudly say that our European food is the best in the world,” she declared.

Hard to argue with that.

The President of the European Commission warned that "our democracy is under attack", notably because of "the rise in information manipulation and disinformation".

"It is not only eroding trust in the truth – but also in democracy itself."

"This is why we urgently need the European Democracy Shield. We need more capacity to monitor and detect information manipulation and disinformation. So we will set up a new European Centre for Democratic Resilience. This will bring together all the expertise and capacity across member states and neighbouring countries," she added.

Her announcement prompted some MEPs to jeer, to which she responded: "You obviously are fearing this new centre."

Agitations in the right side of the Hemicycle as President Von der Leyen discussed democracy and freedom.

"Can you stop?" European Parliament President Metsola intervened.

Ursula von der Leyen insists that respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights is indispensable to access EU funds, a not-so-subtle reference to the democratic backsiliding in Hungary, which has led her Commission to freeze billions from the common budget.

"We have strengthened the link between funds and respect for the rule of law. And with the next long-term budget we will go even further," she said. "Respecting the rule of law is a must for EU funds. Now and in the future."

The Commission President acknowledged a major issue for many Europeans: housing.

"House prices are up by more than 20% since 2015. Building permits down by over 20% in five years. This is more than a housing crisis. It is a social crisis," she said.

She announced a first EU Housing Summit and a new "European Affordable Housing Plan" that would revise State aid rules, make it easier to build new houses and student residences and propose a legal initiative on short-term rentals.

Once von der Leyen’s favourite buzzword, the Green Deal was shoved into the freezer during the EU election, too politically charged to be front and centre of the campaign. But today, it made a (brief) comeback in her speech.

“We are global leaders in clean tech patents – better than the US, and racing with China. We are catching up with US venture capital for clean tech – and way ahead of China. We are firmly on track to achieve our 2030 target to cut emissions by at least 55%. This is the power of the European Green Deal,” she said.

Still, the tone was more muted than in past years. The Green Deal was framed less as a visionary climate project and more as a tool for economic strength and security.

Von der Leyen also touched on the brewing debate over 2040 targets — including doubts from inside her own party. She acknowledged concerns, but doubled down on the need for pragmatism: “I know that many people are concerned about the scale of what is ahead. This is why the transition must support people and strengthen industry.”

So, Green Deal is not quite a pariah — but no longer the centrepiece it once was.

Ursula von der Leyen addresses the backlash against the EU-US trade deal, whose terms are lopsided.

"I have heard many things about the deal we agreed on over the summer. I understand the initial reactions," she said.

"Our trading relationship with the US is our most important. We export over EUR 500 billion worth of goods to the US every year. Millions of jobs depend on it. As President of the Commission, I will never gamble with people’s jobs or livelihoods. This is why we did a deal to keep market access for our industries," she added.

"We ensured that Europe got the best possible deal out there. We have put our companies at a relative advantage because some of our direct competitors face much higher tariffs from the US."

MEPs did not seem convinced. The clapping was very limited.

Von der Leyen then defended the bloc's right to regulate, which Donald Trump has challenged.

"I want to be crystal clear on one point: Whether on environmental or digital regulation. We set our own standards. We set our own regulations," she said. "Europe will always decide for itself."

Ursula von der Leyen announced that the Commission will propose a new 'Small Affordable Cars initiative' after consultations with industry.

"Cars are the pillar of our economy and industry," she said, as well as a source of "European pride".

"Millions of Europeans want to buy affordable European cars. So we should also invest in small, affordable vehicles. Both for the European market, but also to meet the surge in global demand," von der Leyen said.

"I believe Europe should have its own E-car. E for environmental – clean, efficient and lightweight. E for economical – affordable for people. E for European – built here in Europe, with European supply chains. Because we cannot let China and others conquer this market. No matter what, the future is electric. And Europe will be a part of it. The future of cars – and the cars of the future – must be made in Europe," she added.

Ursula von der Leyen has doubled down on the need to "completely" phase out all imports of Russian fossil fuels. The Commission has already proposed to end all purchases by the end of 2027.

The phase-out is opposed by Hungary and Slovakia, two landlocked countries that remain dependent on Russian oil and gas, but is backed by the White House.

"We know what drove prices up: dependency on Russian fossil fuels. So it is time to get rid of dirty Russian fossil fuels completely," von der Leyen told MEPs.

"And we know what brings prices down: clean homegrown energy. We need to generate more homegrown renewables."

"We will introduce a 'made in Europe' criteria in public procurement," she announced, "And when we invest in Global Gateway, for example, we set strong incentives for partners to buy European."

She cited the "Battery Booster package": an investment of up to €1.8 billion to produce batteries in Europe - and reduce foreign dependencies.

Von der Leyen, who usually avoids direct back-and-forth with the hemicycle in these speeches, tried to ease the transition from a heated exchange on Gaza — after announcing a partial suspension of the EU’s association agreement with Israel, which drew loud criticism — to safer ground.

“Honourable Members, the transition is now hard. I want to speak about competitiveness,” she said. Someone in the chamber continued to remonstrate on Gaza. Von der Leyen caught their eye, smiled, and asked for a little understanding.

Then came her pivot: “But this is the State of the Union, and competitiveness is a central piece of our European Union.”

The chamber responded with one of the strangest four-second rounds of applause you’ll ever hear in a SOTEU for... competitiveness.

The President of the European Commission warned that with "strong" economic and geopolitical headwinds and dependencies that "can be used against us", the EU must tackle key bottlenecks hurting its competitiveness.

"We have held strategic dialogues with key industries – from cars to chemicals, steel to pharmaceutical, defence to agriculture. In each sector, the message is the same. To protect jobs, we need to make business in Europe easier," she said.

She outlines measures already brought forward by her executive in recent months, including multiple simplification packages, and work in progress such as a 28th regime for businesses and on the Savings and Investments Union.

The Commission, she announced, will also partner with private investors "on a multi-billion euro Scaleup Europe Fund" to help make major investments in young, fast-growing companies in critical tech areas".

"We need clear political deadlines. This is why I will present a Single Market Roadmap to 2028. On capital, services, energy, telecoms, the 28th regime and the fifth freedom for knowledge and innovation," she also said.

True to form, Ursula von der Leyen wove a personal story high up in her speech — and it was one of the most moving moments so far.

She spoke of Sasha, an 11-year-old from Mariupol. When Russian bombs fell on his neighbourhood, he was wounded and later separated from his mother in a so-called “filtration camp.” Taken to occupied Donetsk, he was told he would get a new life in Russia — a new passport, a new name, even a new mother.

“But Sasha didn’t give up,” said von der Leyen. During a transfer, he managed to call his grandmother, Liudmyla, in Ukraine: “Baba, just take me home.” Against all odds, she crossed half of Europe — Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and finally into occupied Ukraine — to rescue him. She brought him back to safety, though the scars remain.

“But their hearts are still broken,” said von der Leyen, inviting the chamber to pay tribute to Sasha and Liudmyla, who are present in Strasbourg today (a revival of the tradition of special guests in the hemicycle, last seen with Olena Zelenska in 2022).

Europe must have its own independent strategic capabilities, Ursula von der Leyen, to be able to successfully defend itself.

"We must invest in real-time space surveillance so that no movement of forces goes unseen. We must heed the call of our Baltic friends and build a drone wall. This is not an abstract ambition. It is the bedrock of credible defence," she said.

The Commission will present a "clear roadmap" for "getting new common defence projects off the ground" before the next formal European Council summit in late October, she added, in order to set "clear goals for 2030" and to create "a European Defence semester".

Ursula von der Leyen has just proposed a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, with a focus on its trade aspects. This is a step that some member states have demanded but that the European Commission has so far resisted.

"The Commission will do all that it can on its own. We will put our bilateral support to Israel on hold. We will stop all payments in these areas - without affecting our work with Israeli civil society or Yad Vashem," she said.

"Second, we will make two further proposals to the Council. We will propose sanctions on the extremist ministers and on violent settlers. And we will also propose a partial suspension of the Association Agreement on trade-related matters," she added.

"I am aware it will be difficult to find majorities. And I know that any action will be too much for some. Too little for others. But we must all take our own responsibilities – Parliament, Council and Commission."

The Commission President announced that the EU will provide a loan to help reconstruct Ukraine that will be financed by the interests of Russian frozen assets.

"The assets themselves will not be touched," she said. "Ukraine will only pay back the loan once Russia pays for the reparations."

Ursula von der Leyen is speaking now about the grave situation in Gaza, with strong words against the actions by the Israeli goverment:

"What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. People killed while begging for food. Mothers holding lifeless babies. These images are simply catastrophic," she said.

"So I want to start with a very clear message: Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war.

For the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity – this must stop."

As she continued to outline the EU's support to Ukraine, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the bloc will enter into a Drone Alliance with Ukraine that will be financed through a €6 billion loan from the G-7 led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA)

"Ukraine has the ingenuity. What it needs is scale. And together, we can provide it: so that Ukraine keeps its edge, and Europe strengthens its own," she said.

Ursula von der Leyen has condemned the Russian incursion into Poland's airspace, reported earlier this morning.

"Just today, we have seen a reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland and Europe's airspace by more than 10 Russian Shahed drones. Europe stands in full solidarity with Poland," she said.

Her comment prompted a standing ovation in the hemicycle.

She then offered a preview of the next EU package of sanctions against Russia.

"Putin's message is clear. And our response must be clear too," she said.

"We need more pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table. We need more sanctions. We are now working on the 19th package in coordination with partners," she went on. "We are particularly looking at phasing out Russian fossil fuels faster. We're looking at the shadow fleet and at third countries."

The President announced the hosting of a conference to protect Ukrainian children sent to Russia. "Every abducted child must be returned," she said.

Von der Leyen called for the stop of inner divisions and for unity early on in her speech: "Unity between Member States. Unity between EU institutions. Unity between the pro-European democratic forces in this House. I am here – and the entire College is here - ready to make this happen with you. Ready to strengthen the pro-European democratic majority. Because it is the only one that can deliver for Europeans."

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the session, welcoming Ursula von der Leyen to deliver her speech.

In these “unprecedented moments,” Metsola said, Europe needs “clarity and resolve”, and MEPs in the room are “very eager to hear how Europe can step up with new and bold ideas.”

Her framing leaned heavily on the centre-right playbook — unsurprising, given she shares the same party with von der Leyen: she mentioned Europe’s responsibility for its own security, cutting red tape to protect jobs, and even keeping streets safe for children.

She also looked outward, citing the war with Russia, the “horrible situation” in Gaza, and the importance of transatlantic ties as topics that will clearly pop up.

Ursula von der Leyen begins her speech by calling on Europe to fight for its place in the world.

"Europe is in a fight. A fight for a continent that is whole and at peace. For a free and independent Europe. A fight for our values and our democracies. A fight for our liberty and our ability to determine our destiny for ourselves," she tells MEPs.

"Make no mistake – this is a fight for our future. I thought long and hard about whether to start this State of the Union address with such a stark appraisal. After all, we Europeans are not used to – or comfortable with – talking in such terms. Because our Union is fundamentally a peace project," she goes on.

"Europe must fight. For its place in a world in which many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile to Europe. A world of imperial ambitions and imperial wars. A world in which dependencies are ruthlessly weaponised. And it is for all of these reasons that a new Europe must emerge."

Ursula von der Leyen has just entered the European Parliament and is greeting the leaders of the political groups. She's accompanied by Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament.

As members of the European Parliament are slowly entering the hemicycle, a group (from the Socialists, the Greens and the Left) are wearing red in solidarity with Gaza.

Teresa Ribera, Spain’s socialist Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, is also wearing red.

A little trivia before today’s State of the Union.

Since this annual ritual began in 2010, Commission presidents José Manuel Barroso, Jean-Claude Juncker, and Ursula von der Leyen have each delivered four SOTEU speeches.

With today’s address, von der Leyen moves past her predecessors, becoming the Commission chief with the most SOTEUs under her belt.

It’s a notable milestone — and with more speeches expected in the years ahead, it could cement what may be remembered as her decade at the helm of the EU.

But don’t expect much celebrating in Strasbourg. This SOTEU edition is set to be unlike the others, with tensions running high in Parliament and the latest from Poland shaping the atmosphere.

We're just a few minutes away from the start of the State of the European Union speech.

Lawmakers are slowly entering the hemicycle in Strasbourg. They take their seats and chat with each other. We can also see the College of Commissioners waiting for their boss to make her awaited appearance.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola told reporters before heading into the hemicycle to take her place that this "will be a very interesting and no doubt lively debate".

"The citizens are asking for very simple things. They want a job, they want a roof over their head, they want security, they want simple rules, and they want to make sure that they have equal access to opportunity and to their own security and simplicity," the Maltese politician added.

"First of all, we want to know how the European Union will make life for our businesses easier by cutting on red tape and simplifying the rules. Our citizens want to make sure that where there are attempts to undermine our values, we stand united in protecting democracy. Our citizens want us to make sure that we can boost our own security by increasing defence spending and making sure that we are better prepared. And our citizens also want us to make sure that we're united and coherent in the face of the multiple challenges that we stand for peace and security everywhere, whether in Ukraine, in the Middle East, or any other parts of the world," she said.

We've just heard from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling for further sanctions against Russia in reaction to the continued barrage of attacks.

Speaking about the incursion of Russian drones in Poland, Zelenskyy said: "An extremely dangerous precedent for Europe. Whether there will be further steps depends entirely on the coordination and strength of the response. The Russians must feel the consequences. Russia must feel that the war cannot be expanded and will have to be ended."

"The pause in sanctions has gone on far too long," he continued. "Delaying restrictions on Russia and its accomplices only means increasing the brutality of the strikes. Sufficient weapons are needed to deter Russia. A strong response is needed – and it can only be a joint response by all partners: Ukraine, Poland, all Europeans, the United States."

During her speech, Ursula von der Leyen is expected to announce details of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia, a proposal that, after the incident in Poland, has gained a new sense of urgency.

Polish armed forces said on Wednesday morning that they had responded to "multiple violations" of its airspace as Russian forces attacked parts of Ukraine bordering the country.

It is the first time Warsaw has directly engaged with Russian assets since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The military operation could well overshadow events in Strasbourg although Ursula von der Leyen could make a last-minute addition to her speech and highlight the incident as further evidence the bloc needs to get serious about ramping up its defence.

Security and defence are likely to feature heavily in this year's SOTEU.

Reminder: The Commission has planned for a five-fold increase in funding for defence in the EU's multiannual budget from 2028 to 2034 to €130 billion. It has also unveiled a 'Readiness 2030' programme that it hopes could see some €800 billion invested in European defence before the end of the decade.

Poland’s armed forces down Russian drones in airspace violation

Multiple drones were shot down over Poland’s airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine in what the country’s central command called “an act of aggression.”…

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Ursula von der Leyen "need not bother" giving her State of the European Union speech, arguing the European Commission's "list of failures is well known".

This list includes "a slowing economy, declining competitiveness, a migration crisis and violence, a lost war, and a reckless green policy," he wrote in a post on X.

He argued that this is why "patriotic forces are gaining strength across Europe".

Reminder: Orbán's party, Fidesz, belongs to the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group in the European Parliament alongside France's Rassemblement National, Italy's Lega Nord, Spain's Vox or Portugal's Chega.

The Hungarian leader also used his post to attack Tisza, the party founded by former Fidesz politician Peter Magyar and that is now leading in the polls with less than a year to go before parliamentary elections in the country.

During her first mandate as president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen built a reputation as a dependable, results-oriented manager who could steer the bloc through back-to-back crises.

Her response to the COVID-19 pandemic saw her executive undertake the unprecedented tasks of purchasing life-saving vaccines for 450 million citizens and rolling out a recovery fund based on the large-scale issuance of common debt. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine further bolstered her credentials, rising to be one of the leading voices in the Western front against Vladimir Putin's aggressive invasion.

At the end of 2022, Forbes magazine named Ursula von der Leyen the world's most powerful woman, a title she has since retained. Last year, she cruised to re-election, amassing 401 votes for a second term, a tally larger than observers had anticipated.

But in the span of only a few months, her standing has taken a sharp tailspin, with accusations and reproaches coming from all sides of the political spectrum and taking the shine off her gravitas.

Read our curtain raiser ahead of the big speech.

Ursula von der Leyen’s big speech comes at a moment of fragility

This year’s State of the European Union speech comes at a particularly precarious time for its protagonist: Ursula von der Leyen. #EuropeNews…

Good morning from Brussels and Strasbourg.

We're on stand-by as we await the start of the State of the European Union (SOTEU) speech.

We'll bring the key moments and top lines from Ursula von der Leyen's big address in the European Parliament. Plus political reactions, insights and analysis. Stay tuned!