Europe must fight for place in hostile world: EU Chief

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday warned that Europe must stand on its own in an increasingly “hostile” world, blasting Russia over a drone strike in Poland and demanding tougher action against Israel for its offensive in Gaza. In her annual State of the EU address, Ursula von der Leyen warned that "battlelines for a new world order based on power are being drawn right now". "So, yes, Europe must fight. For its place in a world in which many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile to Europe," she said. "Just today, we have seen a reckless and unprecedented violation of Poland and Europe's airspace by more than 10 Russian Shahed drones," von der Leyen said. Building up its defences is a central part of the EU's agenda and von der Leyen said "Europe will defend every inch of its territory".

Europe is in a fight.

A fight for our liberty and our ability to determine our destiny for ourselves.

This must be Europe’s Independence Moment.

A moment we can seize if we're united ↓ https://t.co/EcrY5Mi7kU

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 10, 2025

Von der Leyen, who has long portrayed herself as a staunch ally of Israel, called now for a tougher stance saying she would propose measures including sanctioning "extremist" Israeli ministers and to curb trade ties."What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. People killed while begging for food. Mothers holding lifeless babies. These images are simply catastrophic," von der Leyen said.