European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe faces multiple threats, including Russia, global trade challenges, and hostility from other major world powers, calling for the EU to assert its independence.

In her State of the Union speech, von der Leyen announced new support measures for Ukraine, advocated for sanctions and trade restrictions on Israel over the war in Gaza, and defended a trade deal with the U.S. that limits tariffs on European exports.

She emphasized that Europe is in a fight for its values, democracy, and sovereignty, asserting that the EU must secure its place in a world where many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile.

Regarding Russia, von der Leyen called for increased pressure and sanctions, condemning recent drone incursions into Poland and asserting solidarity with the country while stressing the need to push Putin toward negotiations.

On Gaza, she criticized the humanitarian impact of the conflict, proposing a new Palestinian donor group focused on reconstruction and breaking from the EU’s traditionally strong pro-Israel stance, the Associated Press has reported.

Von der Leyen also highlighted the importance of EU-U.S. trade relations, noting that millions of European jobs depend on the partnership and asserting that her trade deal with Trump improved conditions for European businesses.