Von der Leyen: EU must “reposition radically” against Russia, Turkey and China

In a strongly worded geopolitical intervention, the President of the European Commission called for a “radical repositioning” of the European Union in the global order, warning that Europe can no longer operate under outdated assumptions.

Speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of Die Zeit in Hamburg, she argued that the EU must strengthen its strategic autonomy across energy, defence, and foreign policy, while confronting growing global competition from Russia, Turkey, and China.

“Europe is absent from key global decisions”

Von der Leyen warned that the EU is increasingly sidelined in major geopolitical developments, stating:

“Europe’s voice must be heard.”

She stressed that fragmented decision-making is weakening the bloc’s global influence at a time of accelerating geopolitical rivalry.

Institutional shift: Ending unanimity in foreign policy

One of the most controversial proposals was her call to reform EU decision-making rules:

• Abandon unanimity in foreign policy decisions
• Move toward qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers

Such a reform would significantly speed up EU action, but also reduce the veto power of individual member states.

Energy and dependency: “The old model is over”

Von der Leyen directly challenged the economic foundations of past decades, stating that Europe’s prosperity was historically built on:

• cheap energy from Russia
• low-cost manufacturing from China
• security guarantees from the United States

“These conditions belong to the past.” she said, urging Europe to build independence in energy, defence, and technology.

Defence and enlargement: “Think geopolitically”

The Commission President called for a more assertive EU posture, including:

• stronger European defence capabilities
• renewed focus on enlargement
• a shift toward geopolitical thinking rather than purely economic integration

Her message reflects growing concerns that Europe risks falling behind in global power competition.

Green Deal and nuclear energy

Reaffirming commitment to the European Green Deal, von der Leyen insisted that climate neutrality remains a core goal—but with flexibility.

She also made a notable statement on energy policy:

“Europe needs nuclear energy.”

She described nuclear power as a necessary complement to renewables when supply is insufficient.

Digital policy: protecting children online

Von der Leyen also addressed digital governance, proposing:

• a unified EU age-verification system
• stronger platform accountability
• limits on algorithmic influence over minors

“Parents, not algorithms, should shape children.” she said.

 A turning point in EU geopolitical identity

Her speech signals three major shifts:

1. From economic union to geopolitical actor The EU is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic global player.

2. From unanimity to speed and power Institutional reform is aimed at making EU foreign policy faster and more coherent.

3. From dependency to autonomy Energy, defence, and technology independence are now central pillars of EU strategy.

The message reflects a Europe under pressure from multiple fronts:

• rising geopolitical competition
• energy insecurity
• institutional fragmentation

The key question remains whether the EU can act as a unified geopolitical force—or remain constrained by internal divisions.

Source: pagenews.gr