In her speech, President Ursula von der Leyen framed 2025 as a defining moment for Europe — a time in which the EU must stop hesitating and act with boldness and unity in response to escalating global tensions and internal pressures. She opened with a stark call to action: “Europe is in a fight” — for peace, democratic values, strategic autonomy, and its own place in a world of growing rivalries. On foreign policy, she reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine, pledged new sanctions on Russia, proposed accelerated phase-out of Russian fossil fuels, and outlined more robust cooperation (including military support such as the “Qualitative Military Edge” programme and a “Drone Alliance” with Ukraine). She also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: proposing sanctions on extremist ministers & violent settlers, partial suspension of trade provisions in the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and establishing a Donor Group for Gaza’s reconstruction.

Domestically, von der Leyen emphasised that economic competitiveness must go hand in hand with social inclusion. She introduced several initiatives: a Single Market Roadmap up to 2028; a “Battery Booster” package to strengthen European clean-tech and energy autonomy; a Quality Jobs Act; an Affordable Housing Plan; and an Anti-Poverty Strategy with the goal of eradicating poverty by 2050. She stressed that Europe must reduce dependence on foreign energy — notably Russian fuels — by diversifying supplies, improving energy infrastructure, and investing in renewables with recognition of nuclear as a needed part of the baseload.

On migration, von der Leyen urged more efficient asylum procedures, stronger border protection, and better mechanisms for returns — including hubs in third countries. She also reiterated the need to safeguard democracy, reinforce the rule of law, protect independent media, and defend citizens’ digital rights.

Underlying it all was a sense of urgency: the speech demanded that rhetoric be followed by action, and that member states, institutions and citizens commit to shared sacrifice and cooperation so that Europe can assert itself in a volatile world.