State of the Union Address 2025 by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: answers following the debate
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 answering statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Show transcript
Madam President, honorable Members.
Thank you very much for a very vivid and interesting debate indeed,
I was told I spoke 1.5 hours, sorry, that was long.
We had a debate now for 2 hours, but Europe deserves to have such a debate,
and, as I said, it was a very interesting and lively debate. We've heard you loud and clear.
The college has heard you loud and clear.
Very clear was also the challenges that Europe faces that they are coming in different forms and that they come from different directions,
and there can be no doubt about any of that,
as we have seen again in the last 24 hours both here in Europe and across the world.
But what was also very clear in this debate here is that Europe has agency. Europe has agency.
What it now needs in many of the topics
is to develop the necessary urgency to getting tired.
If we stay united, we're the ones who can create the conditions for a more prosperous and more secure future.
I want to reiterate what I said already in my speech over and over.
I will always be ready to work with you to strengthen the pro-European democratic majority.
In my view, it's the only majority in this House that can deliver for Europeans.
I will always be ready to bridge our differences and find common ground.
Because it was excellent that we had the debate here today,
but democracy is only strong not only if we have a debate, but when it decides and when it delivers.
Therefore, We can, on the one hand, always choose to focus on what sets us apart,
but we should make our difference, on the contrary,
the foundation for a stronger European home.
I think it is easy to say that Europe does not do enough here and does do too much there,
but what the majority of speeches from the pro-Europe democratic forces was the tone was encouraging,
the tone was progress oriented.
You asked, rightly so, for not only words but deeds, yes, you're right.
The character of a State of the Union, is that we do not only look back on what we have done, but we also sketch the way forward,
and of course at the moment it is words and not yet deeds,
but as I know this Parliament, you will hold me accountable, that is good.
Because this also shows that Europe is not some abstract entity.
Europe is you, Europe is us, every one of us,
and this, therefore, with conviction, I say,
long live Europe. Thank you so much.
