In view of the unfolding situation in Lampedusa, and while recognising the increasing pressure along different migratory routes, European Commission President von der Leyen laid out the following set of immediate actions to be exercised in full respect of fundamental rights and international obligations: Reinforce the support to Italy by the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) and the […]
Highlights of the debate on the state of the EU #SOTEU 2023
As every year, September is the time for the #SOTEU, the State of the European Union Debate. This annual meeting, which marks the start of the European political year, is a debate in which the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presents the initiatives and measures proposed for the coming months. This […]
SOTEU 2023: Charting the course for the year ahead
“This is Europe’s spirit. A Union that stands strong together. A Union that prevails together.” Ursula von der Leyen, during her 2022 State of the Union speech In her 2023 State of the Union address, European Commission President von der Leyen will outline the main priorities and flagship initiatives for the year to come, building […]
President von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners will participate in the inauguration of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU in Madrid
President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Madrid today, Monday, together with the other European Commissioners, to participate in the inauguration of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. They will first visit the Galería de las Colecciones Reales and will be received by Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, and members […]
Press statement by President von der Leyen with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Dear President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, It is an honour and it is a privilege to be here on the 9 May. The 9 May is a day to celebrate peace and unity in Europe, to remember the lessons of our history and to commit to leave a better future for the next generations. So it […]
President von der Leyen to visit Canada and the U.S. next week
President von der Leyen will meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Vice President Joe Biden during her visit to Canada and the United States next week to discuss transatlantic relations, trade, strategic sectoral partnerships, and cooperation in support of Ukraine. The President’s transatlantic trip will begin in Ottawa, Canada, on 6 March in the evening. […]
Press statement by President von der Leyen on a new package of restrictive measures against Russia
We wanted to present together the eighth package of sanctions. Last week, Russia has escalated the invasion of Ukraine to a new level. The sham referenda organised in the territories that Russia occupied are an illegal attempt to grab land and to change international borders by force. The mobilisation and Putin’s threat to use nuclear […]
2022 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen
A UNION THAT STANDS STRONG TOGETHER INTRODUCTION Madam President, Honourable Members, My fellow Europeans, Never before has this Parliament debated the State of our Union with war raging on European soil. We all remember that fateful morning in late February. Europeans from across our Union woke up dismayed by what they saw. Shaken by the resurgent […]
Statement by President von der Leyen with Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez
Dear Prime Minister, dear Pedro, I am very glad to see you here. This is a very special moment we have, because today is a real landmark in relations between the European Union and Latin American and Caribbean countries. Because we are launching a new partnership for vaccines and medicines made in Latin America, for […]