Ursula von der Leyen has just delivered one of the most important European speeches of 2026: her State of the Union address (SOTEU).
For those who missed it, here are the key announcements:
🛡️ - A new European Security Council, bringing together the EU and key European partners
Ursula von der Leyen proposes an EU equivalent of NATO’s Article 4, alongside a new European Security Council.
A NATO like security architecture, but European, and potentially a direct rival to NATO. 🇪🇺
WOW. WOW. WOW.
Ursula von der Leyen just opened the door to Canada becoming the EU’s “FIRST-EVER ASSOCIATE MEMBER.”
“We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.” 🇪🇺🇨🇦
Ursula von der Leyen warns that the EU’s trade deficit with China has reached a “tipping point.”
She says dialogue must now produce concrete results, with Europe ready to use all tools at its disposal to rebalance the relationship. 🇪🇺🇨🇳
Ursula von der Leyen during her State of the European Union address:
“Europe is there for Europeans, and in the cold fragility of today's world, only Europe can provide true sovereignty for Europeans.”
