Ursula von der Leyen presents the EU State of the Union in Strasbourg

Today, Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. During the event, she announced the intention to make Canada the first "associated member" of the European Union, a significant step to strengthen transatlantic ties.

In her speech, von der Leyen emphasized the need to tackle many issues, including the climate crisis and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. She announced a European plan to address heatwaves and proposed a "European Security Council" to enhance the continent's safety.

Another key point of the address concerned migration management. Von der Leyen promised new emergency procedures to prevent critical situations like that in Ceuta, stating that the Union must decide who can enter, not human traffickers.

During her speech, von der Leyen also addressed the threats posed by ultra-nationalists and Euro-skeptics, highlighting the importance of maintaining European unity. She called for greater commitment from member states to address these common challenges.

Furthermore, she stressed that the Union must act more swiftly to maintain its influence in the world. This appeal came amidst rising global tensions, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Today's speech follows a summer marked by complex events, such as migration flows, energy crises, and security issues. Von der Leyen thus faced the urgent task of charting a clear path for the future of Europe.