European Commission President von der Leyen Warns of Most Sensitive Period for the Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in her European Parliament speech that the continent is passing through its most sensitive period.
In her State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union is clearly facing a hostile world and experiencing its most sensitive period to date.
Support for Ukraine and the Russian Threat
Ursula von der Leyen pledged to provide the strongest support yet to Ukraine during the most challenging winter of the war.
She stated that funding will be provided for air defense systems, sanctions against Russia will be tightened, and loopholes will be closed.
Security and the Proposal for a European Security Council
Attention was drawn to growing dangers on European soil due to Russian aggression and hybrid threats such as cyber sabotage.
In this context, a call was made to establish a European Security Council and an emergency security protocol similar to NATO's Article 4.
Israel and Gaza Policy
The Israeli government's decision to advance the E1 settlement project was described as unacceptable.
Europe's deep concern regarding the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank was expressed.
Partnership Offer for Canada
Within the scope of the assessments made, an offer was put forward to open doors for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member.
Climate Crisis, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Issues
Following record summer temperatures, the urgent need for action on climate was emphasized, and the pilot who lost his life in the fires in Greece was commemorated.
It was stated that the risks of artificial intelligence must be managed and remain subject to human will, while trade relations with China were noted to be unsustainable.