STORY: :: Europe is in a ‘fight’ for its future, says EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen
:: Strasbourg, France
:: September 10, 2025
“Europe is in a fight. A fight for a continent that is whole and at peace. For a free and independent Europe. A fight for our values and our democracies. A fight for our liberty and our ability to determine our destiny for ourselves. Make no mistake, this is a fight for our future.”
“Battle lines for a new world order based on power are being drawn right now. So, yes. Europe must fight for its place in the world, in which many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile to Europe.”
Von der Leyen also called for a new EU sanctions system targeting people smugglers and traffickers, adding it should be part of measures allowing the bloc to manage migration “effectively.”
The Commission president then outlined plans to address housing affordability and quality, saying the EU would back national efforts with revised state aid rules to enable housing support, streamline construction of new homes and student residences, and propose EU legislation on short-term rentals to tackle “remaining issues.”
Von der Leyen set out her priorities for the year ahead on Wednesday after a bruising summer dominated by a much-criticized trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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