Von der Leyen to set out challenges and opportunities for EU in ‘state of the Union’ speech – Europe live

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a speech in Strasbourg, France, addressing the current state of the European Union. During the address, she outlined the challenges and opportunities facing the bloc, framing the future as a choice between maintaining an independent, values-driven Europe or succumbing to internal divisions and external dependencies.

As part of her vision for the EU’s global engagement, von der Leyen proposed a path for Canada to become the bloc’s first associate member. This overture is being analyzed in the context of shifting geopolitical dynamics, specifically noting how U.S. trade policies, including tariffs, are influencing Canada to seek closer ties with European partners.