{"id":465174,"date":"2026-09-16T15:09:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T13:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eunews.it\/2026\/09\/16\/von-der-leyen-lue-forte-e-precaria-davanti-alle-sfide-e-col-bisogno-di-far-innamorare-i-giovani\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T11:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T09:06:32","slug":"von-der-leyen-the-eu-strong-yet-fragile-amid-challenges-in-need-of-winning-young-peoples-hearts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eunews.it\/en\/2026\/09\/16\/von-der-leyen-the-eu-strong-yet-fragile-amid-challenges-in-need-of-winning-young-peoples-hearts\/","title":{"rendered":"Von der Leyen: the EU, \u201cstrong yet fragile\u201d amid challenges, in need of winning young people\u2019s hearts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brussels \u2013 A speech one hour and ten minutes long, punctuated by more than twenty rounds of applause, including four standing ovations. Neither the United States of America nor its president were ever mentioned. The word “climate” appeared seven times, and “defence” twelve. Ursula von der Leyen<\/strong> delivered today (16 September) her State of the Union address<\/a> in a near-full chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg\u2014with a few empty seats in the right-hand wing\u2014and, from her very first words, described the current period as an “exceptional” moment in history, \u201ca complex age of great possibilities and great perils,\u201d in which the Union, to paraphrase Charles Dickens, \u201cis the strongest it has ever been. The state of our Union can also feel as precarious as it has ever been.\u201d But the goal, for von der Leyen, is clear: \u201cTo build an independent Europe
\nthat has the power to act.\u201d There were three guests of honour who inspired von der Leyen: the founders of the tech start-up, \u201cRafa, from Poland, and Pekka, from Finland\u201d; the family of the Danish firefighting pilot, Rune Kyndal, who lost his life in a tragic accident alongside a liaison officer to whom the chamber paid its first standing ovation; the young Ukrainian gymnast Sasha\u2014who received the second standing ovation\u2014who, despite losing her left leg in a Russian attack, has resumed training and is winning medals once again. Also present in the chamber is the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney<\/strong>, who received the third standing ovation and was at the heart of von der Leyen\u2019s political message: the EU continues to believe in alliances.<\/p>\n

Economy, market, and energy<\/h4>\n

The President makes it clear straight away that she intends to \u201ccomplete by the end of next year this historic overhaul\u00a0of the Single Market,<\/strong>\u201d which is the\u00a0roadmap for competitiveness, \u2018One Europe, One Market\u2019<\/a>, and to continue on the path of simplification. On this point, \u201cwe will put forward proposals to further speed up permitting<\/strong>\u201d\u2014such as those relating to authorisations, forms, grid connections, and funding decisions\u2014she explains, taking the opportunity to take a dig at the Member States: \u201cAt European level, we are doing our best to cut red tape, but I believe the time has come for Member States to play their part too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The EU is also stepping up efforts towards \u201caffordable, homegrown, clean energy\u201d\u2014\u201cBe it renewables and nuclear, or biomethane and others\u201d\u2014based on a technology-neutral approach. \u201cBut we also need to ensure that the electricity we generate is available\u201d, which is why \u201cwe need the grids package so urgently,<\/strong>\u201d to enable \u201cfaster investment, speed up grid connections and develop storage.\u201d In essence, for the occupant of the Berlaymont Building, Europe\u2019s future is \u201celectric\u201d, with the aim of doubling the share of electricity by 2040, thereby \u201ccutting its fossil-fuel import bill by \u20ac260\u00a0billion a year. \u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The standoff with Beijing and independence in the raw materials sector<\/h4>\n

\u201cBringing down energy prices, investing and innovating more, reforming our economies\u201d may, however, not be enough \u201cif our businesses cannot compete on a level playing field.\u201d And here, the finger is being pointed at China, with which the EU has a trade deficit of one billion euros a day. \u201cThis is an unsustainable situation,\u201d comments von der Leyen, adding that the dialogue initiated with Beijing \u201cto rebalance trade\u201d \u201cmust now lead to concrete results.\u201d She clarifies: \u201cWe will use all the tools at our disposal to rebalance our relations.
\nWords are good. But deeds are better,” she emphasised. Meanwhile, with regard to “dangerous dependencies,” she announced that “a new
\nEuropean Corporation on Critical Raw Materials<\/strong>\u00a0will be established, which will help us obtain\u00a0and stockpile what we need: for electric cars, chips and batteries, clean tech and defence. And much more.\u201d<\/p>\n

To make progress, however, the EU needs funding, and for von der Leyen it is crystal clear that the EU\u2019s next long-term budget, for 2028\u20132034, \u201cneeds new own resources,\u201d<\/strong> that is, those new sources of revenue for the Union that are so unpalatable to Member States, particularly the so-called “frugal” countries, which are seeking to scale back the Commission\u2019s and Parliament\u2019s demands for the future EU budget. Support for businesses and the economy does not end there, and in addition to the \u201cfundamental\u201d work on the Savings and Investment Union, von der Leyen believes there is a \u201cneed for a banking system that is built for growth\u2014not just for stability.\u201d Therefore, \u201c
\nwe will put forward a new Banking Package focusing on simplification and tackling fragmentation.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

Climate and digital technology take centre stage<\/h4>\n
\"Tue,<\/a><\/figure>\n

Tue, Margit, Kaare Kyndal: the family of Danish pilot Rune Kyndal, guests at the State of the Union address. 16 September 2026. Source: EU Commission<\/p>\n

Concern and a call to action characterise this section of the speech. \u201cThis summer was the summer of truth,\u201d notes von der Leyen, recalling that \u201calmost no part of our continent was spared.\u201d That is why, even though \u201cthe transition is complex\u201d, \u201cEurope can, must and will
\nstay the course on its climate targets.<\/strong>\u201d In this endeavour, \u201cwe must dramatically\u00a0step up our preparedness\u201d and, to this end, \u201cwe will present a new framework for climate resilience next month. We will identify 100 of the most vulnerable territories in Europe. And we will assess the risks\u2014and at which level they should be managed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u200b\u201d<\/p>\n

As for the consequences of extreme weather events, von der Leyen states that \u201cat present, only around 25 per cent of l
\ncatastrophe\u00a0losses in Europe are covered by private insurance,\u201d and to address this shortfall, \u201cthe Commission will set up a Climate Insurance Alliance.<\/strong>\u201d Furthermore, to ensure \u201cthere can be no repeat of this summer,\u201d \u201ca European Heatwave Plan<\/strong>\u201d will be presented \u201csoon\u201d to establish more effective early-warning systems and improve preparedness within the healthcare sector, while in terms of water and food security, there will be \u201ca new European\u00a0water initiative<\/strong>\u201d\u2014given the \u201cenormous waste\u201d in European water networks\u2014as well as \u201cproposals to improve risk management and bridge the insurance gap.<\/strong>\u201d Here comes a message to the “tractor drivers”: \u201cEuropean farmers have risen to the challenge of this endless summer. They are the best in the world.\u00a0We will support them every step of the way.\u201d To conclude the section on environmental disasters, von der Leyen explains that she has asked the most experienced European heads<\/strong> of fire services and emergency services to examine every aspect of preparedness and prevention and \u201cto make\u00a0proposals,
\nincluding for a future European Firefighting Fleet.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Rafal<\/a><\/figure>\n

Rafal Modrzewski and Pekka Laurila as guests at the State of the Union address. 16 September 2026. Source: European Commission<\/p>\n

To address the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence, von der Leyen announces that \u201cwe will step up together with our like-minded partners like Canada, the United Kingdom and others,\u201d and\u00a0I will invite the main frontier labs for a discussion on how we can support ongoing industry efforts to pace the frontier.\u201d However, \u201cEurope will need its own capabilities\u2014in particular to protect our national security,\u201d and \u201cstay in the race\u201d for technological leadership. In short, it must \u201cmassively boost computing capacity<\/strong>\u201d, on which the Commission will present proposals<\/strong>. Furthermore, \u201cwe will also develop new ways to use public and private funds to invest in the most promising European start-ups and companies.<\/strong>\u201d For the Commission President, when it comes to artificial intelligence, \u201cthe key lies in creating the value that AI has not yet delivered,\u201d\u00a0 but without ever replacing humans. \u201cWe are now focusing on five of the highest-value sectors in which industrial AI has the biggest potential and we have the data: health, transport, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, and defence and space.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In November, we will announce game-changing initiatives across these sectors.”<\/p>\n

Against the backdrop of digital technology and the protection of individuals, von der Leyen has taken the time to give a preview of the package on the protection of children online, which will be presented tomorrow: the EU Kids Act. \u201cNo social media under the age of 13. No personal account under the age of 15.<\/p>\n

This means that, for 13- to 15-year-olds, only \u2018mini-accounts\u2019 set up and supervised by parents, with limited functionality and a time restriction of one hour a day.
\nAnd between 15 and 18, safe design will be an obligation for the platforms,\u201d she explains, adding that \u201cplatforms will have to prove to us that they are safe.\u201d She then moves on from children to adults, noting that \u201ca broader regulatory framework is needed: the Digital Fairness Act<\/strong>\u201d, which will be proposed\u00a0\u201cin the autumn\u201d to tackle addictive design.<\/p>\n

Work and the European Social Pillar in the age of new technologies<\/h4>\n

This approach\u2014one in which humans are at the centre and in control of AI\u2014also extends into the world of work. \u201cFrom education to employment, AI must help develop skills, improve the quality of jobs and give workers a fair chance.<\/p>\n

That is why we need our \u2018Quality Jobs Act<\/strong>\u2019 and we will present it before the end of the year,\u201d she announced. It is in this context that the first female President of the European Commission emphasised that, to mark the tenth anniversary next year of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU will invest \u201cin our regions, so that everyone has the \u2018right to stay\u2019\u201d and does not have to emigrate if they do not wish to, and will launch \u201ca European Care Deal\u00a0to address the challenges linked to our demographic changes.\u201d And she declares more emphatically, in the face of \u201cthose who would even like to roll back women\u2019s rights\u201d, that \u201cwomen are here to stay.\u201d For this reason, \u201ctogether with my dear friend Ant\u00f3nio Costa (President of the European Council), we will host a summit to uphold the enduring principles of our Social Pillar.\u201d<\/p>\n

International screenings: Canada, Ukraine and the Middle East<\/h4>\n
\"European<\/a><\/figure>\n

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. 16 September 2026. Source: EU Commission<\/p>\n

Von der Leyen highlights the work on trade alliances around the world, \u201cwith over 80 countries\u201d, and announces, with regard to the East, \u201ca new international connectivity project<\/strong>\u2014\u201cit will directly link the South Caucasus and Central Asia to the European market, what we call the \u2018Middle Corridor\u2019\u201d\u2014and, to the west, the intention to \u201ctake relations with Canada to the highest possible level,<\/strong>\u201d working with Carney<\/strong>, who is present in the chamber, \u201cto
\nopening the door\u00a0for Canada to become the EU\u2019s first associate member.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

According to von der Leyen, international relations are not enough to keep the EU safe. And in the face of \u201ccyber-attacks and sabotage, arson and drone incursions\u201d which are \u201cconstantly on the rise\u201d, the President, together with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, will present \u201ca new European security strategy.<\/strong>\u201d In the President\u2019s plans, \u201cEurope needs its own counter-hybrid playbook.\u201d In other words, \u201cI believe the time has come for a European \u2018Article 4\u2019,<\/strong>\u201d\u00a0 similar to that of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, \u201cor an emergency security protocol.<\/strong>
\nWhen triggered by one Member State, all Member States would convene. To coordinate a European response. To deter further escalation. And to mitigate the impact.\u201d But that is not all. \u201cFor a long time, we have discussed a leaders’ format focused on the security of our continent,\u201d and \u201cthis is even more urgent now,\u201d which is why \u201cwe will set out our proposals to make a European Security Council a reality.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Sasha,<\/a><\/figure>\n

Sasha, a Ukrainian gymnast, was a guest during the State of the Union address. 16 September 2026. Source: European Commission<\/p>\n

The stance towards Ukraine remains unchanged and, if anything, is being strengthened<\/strong>. \u201cWe will provide humanitarian aid and reinforce Ukraine’s supplies of power and heating,\u201d and \u201cUkraine\u2019s air defence,\u201d she says. Furthermore, \u201c
\nwe would like to develop with Ukraine an affordable, modular missile-defence system,\u201d and, \u201cusing the remaining SAFE funds, we will set up a new programme for joint projects with Ukrainian companies.\u201d Thirdly, \u201cwe will tighten our sanctions against Russia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little was said about Gaza. Von der Leyen points the finger at the lack of unity among Member States in reaching \u201ca unified response\u201d and notes that this behaviour on the part of the EU is \u201cpainful for many Europeans,\u201d who are deeply \u201cmoved by the profound suffering in Gaza and the unchecked violence of the settlers in the West Bank.\u201d She brands \u201cthe Israeli government\u2019s decision to press ahead with the illegal E1 settlement project as unacceptable\u201d and recalls having called on \u201cEurope to act last year, proposing a series of measures.\u201d These have been shelved. So, all that remains for her to do is to highlight the role played in supporting the Palestinians \u2013 \u201cwe have provided more aid than anyone else\u201d\u2014and to close the chapter by emphasising that \u201cit is Europe’s role to keep the flame of a two-state solution alive.<\/strong>\u201d No mention, however, of how to achieve this.<\/p>\n

Migration since Ceuta<\/h4>\n

The migration issue features in von der Leyen\u2019s speech in the context of the events in Ceuta\u00a0<\/b><\/a>in which she highlights \u201cthe exploitation of vulnerable people by callous\u00a0traffickers and smugglers. And by our adversaries,\u201d against whom the EU has proposed a sanctions regime, and the principle that \u201cexternal borders are European borders.\u201d In this context, \u201cthe only possible solution is a European one,\u201d and it is called the \u201cPact on Migration and Asylum\u201d. But that is not enough: \u201cEurope must have the necessary means to protect its borders at all times\u201d and \u201cfor this reason we will propose a new European emergency response framework.<\/strong>\u201d Furthermore, \u201cwe will also step up work\u00a0to strengthen Frontex, in particular to speed up returns;\u201d \u201cwe will improve our early warning systems, including in collaboration with third countries\u201d; \u201cwe will ensure that we can detect and anticipate online\u201d and \u201cwe will keep tackling the root causes of irregular migration\u201d through \u201ca new
\nMediterranean Youth Skills and Jobs initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Europe: a love to rediscover<\/h4>\n

Finally, a look ahead to the Europe of the future. Von der Leyen confirms that the enlargement process \u201cwill continue to be merit-based\u201d and that \u201crespect for our values is non-negotiable\u201d. For this reason, she says she is \u201chorrified by the images of Ratko Mladi\u0107\u2019s funeral in Belgrade last week.\u201d\u00a0 She then looks back to 1948, when \u201ca Congress of Europe was held, bringing together the greatest\u00a0minds on our continent to reflect on the future of European cooperation.\u201d For von der Leyen, \u201cwe need to rediscover this ability to think European\u201d and for this reason \u201cI am announcing today the launch of a new Congress of Europe<\/strong>, which will bring together thinkers and writers, artists and scientists, citizens and civil society.\u201d It will take place next year, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. The aim: to\u00a0produce “a vision that can inspire the new generation of Europeans and recapture the European imagination. So that the next generation can write its own story.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201d Because it is clear that something has been lost over the past few decades, and it needs to be rekindled. And for Europeans to fall in love with the EU all over again, more is needed from the institutions and the corridors of power.<\/p>\n

At the end of the speech, there was a fourth standing ovation, but only a partial one: the MPs on the right and left remained seated without even clapping.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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