Von der Leyen said the EU must continue to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, noting that nearly €170 billion in military and financial aid had already been provided. She pledged to push for more assistance, including a Reparations Loan backed by the cash balances of frozen Russian assets in Europe.
“These assets belong to Russia, and Russia must pay,” she said, stressing that Ukraine would receive the funds now but only repay once Russia pays reparations.
She also announced plans for a summit on abducted Ukrainian children, in cooperation with Kyiv and international partners. “Every child who was abducted must be returned,” she told lawmakers.
Von der Leyen warned that Russia’s war economy “will not stop — even if the war does,” and confirmed that the EU will prepare a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russian fossil fuels, its “shadow fleet,” and third countries helping Moscow bypass restrictions.
Full Solidarity with Poland After Drone Incursion
Addressing the overnight incursion of Russian Shahed drones into Polish and EU airspace, von der Leyen called it a “dangerous” and “unprecedented” violation.
“Europe stands in full solidarity with Poland,” she said. “Europe will defend every square inch of its territory.”
She urged EU members to strengthen collective defence and develop independent strategic capabilities in response to growing threats.
Sanctions on Israel and Call to End Famine in Gaza
Turning to the Middle East, von der Leyen said famine “can never be a weapon of war,” condemning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as something that “has shaken the conscience of the world.”
She announced that the European Commission will propose:
- Sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers
- A partial suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, targeting trade-related matters
Acknowledging divisions among EU capitals, she said reaching agreement will be difficult but insisted the bloc “must assume its responsibility.”
Boosting Europe’s Defence Capabilities
Von der Leyen outlined new defence initiatives designed to reduce dependence on external powers.
- The Readiness 2030 programme could unlock up to €800 billion in defence investments.
- The SAFE programme, now operational, will provide €150 billion for joint defence procurement. Nineteen member states have already applied.
“These are steps toward a stronger, more autonomous Europe,” she said.
Climate Action and Firefighting Resilience
The Commission president linked climate resilience to security, highlighting the devastating wildfires that swept across Europe this summer, burning over one million hectares.
She proposed the creation of a new European firefighting centre in Cyprus, which would also support regional neighbours.
Von der Leyen paid tribute to firefighters from across the EU, with a special acknowledgment of 20 Greek forest rangers who helped extinguish massive blazes in Spain’s Asturias region. One of them, Lieutenant Nikolaos Paisios, attended the Strasbourg session and received a standing ovation from MEPs.
“Your courage is an inspiration for us all,” she told him.
A New Europe in a Shifting World
Framing her speech, von der Leyen said Europe is in a “battle for a united and peaceful continent” in an era where global powers are increasingly “ambiguous or openly hostile.”
“Europe must claim its independence,” she said, rejecting “nostalgia” and warning that waiting for storms to pass is no longer an option.
