Von der Leyen calls on EU to defend role in 'hostile' world

In a combative State of the EU address on Wednesday, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen urged Europe to assert its independence in a "hostile" world, as she condemned Russia's drone incursion in Poland and said she would push to sanction "extremist" ministers and curb trade ties over the dire situation in Gaza. 

Sep 10, 2025 - 20:02
Von der Leyen calls on EU to defend role in 'hostile' world
In a combative State of the EU address on Wednesday, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen urged Europe to assert its independence in a "hostile" world, as she condemned Russia's drone incursion in Poland and said she would push to sanction "extremist" ministers and curb trade ties over the dire situation in Gaza.