Ursula von der Leyen proposes European Security Council and migration measures in annual address

Defense and strategic coordination

In her annual State of the European Union address to the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen set out plans to strengthen European military coordination following recent security developments in Leipzig. She proposed creating a European Security Council, conceived as a strategic forum that would include non-EU partners such as Canada, Norway, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Alongside this council, she introduced an Emergency Security Protocol designed as an EU counterpart to NATO Article 4, allowing any individual member state to convene the 27 nations immediately to coordinate joint responses. Von der Leyen also called for establishing the European Instrument for Strategic Enablers to address military capability shortfalls across air and missile defense, strategic transport, air-to-air refueling, space, and cybersecurity.

Migration policy and border response

Addressing external border management, von der Leyen focused on Spanish territories and irregular migration flows, speaking directly to the Spanish public regarding border pressures. She proposed a European Emergency Response Instrument to handle situations where mass population movements are politically directed. The Commission President reported that irregular arrivals dropped by 55% over the prior two years, with an additional 35% decline recorded in the most recent monitoring period, while calling for full implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. She pledged expanded Frontex return operations, enhanced early-warning tools in cooperation with non-EU nations, and a Mediterranean initiative aimed at youth training and employment.

“The border of Ceuta is a European border. Because Ceuta is Spain. Ceuta is Europe. And Europe will stand by your side.”

Past two years55%

Recent monitoring period35%

Past two years

55 %

Recent monitoring period

35 %

Data from the article text

Economy, climate, and Canada partnership

On economic policy, the address urged member states to implement recommendations from the Draghi report and advance single-market integration through a One Europe, One Market package alongside progress on the Banking Union. Social measures included a European Care Deal to support housing and care services. On energy and climate resilience, von der Leyen outlined three specific mechanisms: a climate change insurance alliance, a European Heatwave Plan, and a European Water Initiative. She also proposed granting Canada associate member status in the European Union, prompting confirmation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney following discussions with EU leadership.

“With Commission President von der Leyen and Parliament President Metsola, we focused on future steps: a closer partnership that strengthens our mutual sovereignty, to create greater opportunities and prosperity for our citizens.”

Political reactions in the European Parliament

The speech generated varied responses among political groups in Strasbourg. Forza Italia delegation leader Marco Falcone welcomed the address as broad and forward-looking, citing its focus on common defense, economic resilience, and monetary sovereignty. Nicola Procaccini, leading the Fratelli d'Italia delegation, supported the stricter border enforcement, overseas return hubs, and deregulation efforts, though he questioned the associate membership offer to Canada and noted a lack of administrative self-criticism. Green and Left lawmakers from Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra, including Benedetta Scuderi and Ignazio Marino, criticized the emphasis on military rearmament, the dilution of the Green Deal via omnibus packages, and the omission of direct references to the United States. Lega delegation leader Paolo Borchia dismissed the proposals as unrealistic commitments disconnected from practical realities.