Ursula von der Leyen

News | Digital policy

September 11th, 2025

Disinformation: New center to strengthen resilience

The Commission President announced a European Center for Democratic Resilience. She is also thinking out loud about a social media ban for children.

By Corinna Visser

Talk of the Town | SOTEU

September 11th, 2025

SOTEU: Von der Leyen calls for unity in vain

With martial words, the Commission President appeals to the pro-European forces to fight together for Europe's independence. But EPP leader Weber and S&D chairwoman Gárcia Peréz no longer seem capable of doing so.

By Till Hoppe and Markus Grabitz

Feature | SOTEU

September 11th, 2025

Von der Leyen backs cheap EVs instead of a turnaround on combustion engines

The Commission President is resisting calls to soften the climate targets. She announced new initiatives for affordable electric cars, the steel industry and the energy infrastructure.

By Lukas Knigge, János Allenbach-Ammann and Manuel Berkel

Feature | Trade

September 10th, 2025

EU: Von der Leyen backs US trade and European tech sovereignty

In her State of the Union address, Ursula von der Leyen paints a picture of a world in upheaval: dependencies are being used "ruthlessly as a weapon", China is moving closer to Russia and North Korea. She presents various responses for Europe.

By Amelie Richter

Talk of the Town | Trade

September 10th, 2025

SOTEU: What challenges lie ahead with Beijing

Trade tensions with China, anti-dumping duties on pork and exploding e-commerce exports are putting Europe's companies under pressure. Ursula von der Leyen must send clear signals in her speech on the state of the EU.

By Amelie Richter

Talk of the Town | Ursula von der Leyen

September 9th, 2025

SOTEU: Von der Leyen must demonstrate strong leadership

After the "summer of humiliation," the Commission President must try to send a signal of new beginnings. But Ursula von der Leyen is not acting from a strong position.

By Till Hoppe, Stephan Israel and János Allenbach-Ammann