What Ursula von der Leyen thinks about Europe
President of the European Commission since 2019; previously Germany's defence minister.
Ursula von der Leyen did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
2 dated positions, 2025, in their own words. Our reading of what Ursula von der Leyen has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Their wordsThis must be Europe's Independence Moment. I believe this is our Union's mission. To be able to take care of our own defence and security. To take control over the technologies and energies that will fuel our economies.
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Their wordsBattlelines 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.