Ursula von der Leyen

Loss of nature destroys not only the foundations of our life but also our feeling of what constitutes home.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

Competition is only true as long as it is fair, Too often, our companies are excluded from foreign markets or are victims of predatory practices. They are often undercut by competitors benefitting from huge state subsidies.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

It is the moment to show them that we can build a continent where you can be who you are, love who you want, and aim as high as you want.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

In a world where some are trying to pick off countries one by one, we cannot afford to leave our fellow Europeans behind, In a world where size and weight matter, it is clearly in Europe's strategic and security interests to complete our Union.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

My thoughts are with the people of Greece. The whole of Europe is mourning with you. I also wish for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

At least 36 dead, scores injured as trains collide in Greece By Heather Chen, Chris Liakos, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Jennifer Hauser and Sana Noor Haq, CNN (March 1, 2023), 2023

Hospitals are postponing treatment because of lack of nurses. And two-thirds of European companies are looking for IT specialists.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

Four years ago, the European Green Deal was our answer to the call of history. And this summer – the hottest ever on record in Europe – was a stark reminder of that.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

The good news is that with every enlargement those who said it would make us less efficient were proven wrong.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

We need to move past old, binary debates about enlargement. This is not a question of deepening integration or widening the Union,We can and we must do both.

State of the European Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech euro news (September 13, 2023)., 2023

As the war in Ukraine rages on, and Ukrainians fight bravely for their country, the European Union steps up once more its support for Ukraine and the sanctions against the aggressor – Putin's Russia. For the first time ever, the European Union will finance the purchase and delivery of weapons and other equipment to a country that is under attack. This is a watershed moment.

"Statement by President von der Leyen on further measures to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine" (27 February 2022) • video, 2022

I am well aware that these sanctions (imposed on Russia for their invasion on Ukraine) will come at a cost for our economy, too. I know this, and I want to speak honestly to the people of Europe. We have endured two years of (COVID-19) pandemic. And we all wished that we could focus on our economic and social recovery. But I believe that the people of Europe understand very well that we must stand up against this cruel aggression. Yes, protecting our liberty comes at a price. But this is a defining moment. And this is the cost we are willing to pay. Because freedom is priceless, Honourable Members. This is our principle: Freedom is priceless.

Ursula von der Leyen (2022) cited in: "Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on the Russian aggression against Ukraine" in European Commission (7 March 2022), 2022

I was yesterday in Kyiv and I visited Bucha. And there are no words for the horror I have seen in Bucha, the ugly face of Putin's army terrorising people. And I have so much admiration for our brave Ukrainian friends fighting against this. They are fighting our war. It is our fight that they are in. Because it is not only Ukraine fighting for its sovereignty and integrity, but they are also fighting for the question whether humanity will prevail or whether heinous devastation will be the result. It is the question whether democracy will be stronger or if it is autocracy that will dominate. It is the question whether there is the right of might dominating or whether it is the rule of law.

"Opening, interventions and closing remarks by President von der Leyen at the global pledging event ‘Stand Up For Ukraine'" (9 April 2022), 2022

This European way of life came at a great price and sacrifice. It should never be taken for granted – it is neither a given nor a guarantee. The proof of that is that our way of living is being challenged every day – as much by anti-Europeans from within as from without. We have seen foreign powers interfere in our elections from the outside. And we have seen home-grown populists with cheap nationalistic slogans try to destabilise us from the inside. We should not allow these forces to hijack the definition of the European way of life. They want it to mean the opposite of what it is. They want to chip away at our foundations and sow division amongst us. They believe in politics that exposes problems, rather than solves them. We must fight back against this.

2019

We all have our own traditions, our own set of values and own way of doing things. But I would always choose Europe’s way of life – and our Union of solidarity, tolerance and reliability – over any other. The European way of life also means listening and debating with one another to find solutions for the common good. And this is what I want us to do together.

2019

This is the European conception of life. It is about building a Union of equality in which we all have the same access to opportunities. It is about equipping people with the knowledge, education and skills they need to live and work in dignity. It is about having access to the services we need and the knowledge that we are safe in our homes and in our streets. It is about protecting the most vulnerable in our society. Ultimately, it is about how we all live together.

2019