State of the Union Address 2025 by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: statement by Nicola Procaccini, Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists of the European Parliament
On 10 September 2025, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, delivered her 2025 State of the European Union address before the Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, presenting her priorities for the year ahead and outlining her vision for how the European Union could evolve by years. From this perspective, Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the critical need for Europe to maintain peace and independence, asserting control over defence, technology, and energy. The President reiterated strong support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia and proposed measures to finance the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine using immobilised Russian assets. She also addressed humanitarian concerns in Gaza, advocating for a two-state solution. Regarding the European economy, Ursula von der Leyen focused on boosting competitiveness through investments in digital and clean technologies and enhancing trade relations, particularly with the United States. Finally, she called for unity between Member States and institutions to overcome current challenges and secure the future of Europe. On this occasion, Ursula von der Leyen’s address was also followed by speeches and discussions with Members of the European Parliament. This video shows the statement by Nicola Procaccini, Co-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists of the European Parliament.
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Let me now give the floor to the co-president of the ECR Group, Nicola Procaccini. Mr President, President von der Leyen.
I will start from afar, but only geographically.
The military parade of the Chinese leader dressed like Mario Pedini,
holding hands with Putin and Kim Jong-un. Is no laughing matter.
It reminds us that the world is a dangerous place.
A place where regimes make no secret of their
will to reshape the global order even by force.
Being aware of this reality does not mean that we should adopt a foolishly muscular attitude,
but rather that we should strengthen our values,
our economy, our defense and our alliances. We welcome the agreement reached.
With the American administration on tariffs, not because it's perfect,
but because it's certainly better than a trade war between allies who need each other.
We must have the courage as Europeans to make the right choices at the right time.
The Green Deal was conceived and desired in a different geopolitical era.
Today, it is too great an obstacle to European competitiveness.
I would remind you that economic development.
It is a prerequisite for having the resources to spend on military defense. Welfare And environmental protection.
Maintaining the duties imposed by the European Union on its own industry.
And even adding 5 new taxes of its own in
the new multi-year budget means going in the wrong direction. It's a tragic mistake.
On the other hand, I think we're moving in the right direction on immigration,
cooperating with migrants' country of origin and transit countries to stop illegal departures.
Now we must quickly define safe third countries and make repatriation an effective practice, not an empty promise.
But let me say one last thing.
While we are discussing welcoming others here, in too many regions of the world,
Christians are prevented from professing their faith.
The post of EU Special Envoy for freedom of religion in the world has been vacant for a year now. I find this disheartening. Mr President, please act quickly.
For some, this may be of little importance, but for us conservatives it is very important indeed,
because if Europe doesn't defend the principles that shaped it,
it will certainly not be able to defend its interests or its borders.
Gra Thank you. I shall now give thee.
