It has never been easy for him. Ursula von der Leyen.
Since taking the helm of the European Commission a little over three years ago, the German leader and her team have faced crisis after crisis. First came the COVID-19 pandemic, exposing gaps in European health systems across the Twenty-Seven. Then a war pushed energy prices to unsustainable levels, a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the coercive tactics that accompanied it. Von der Leyen addressed these challenges in her State of the Union remarks, highlighting Ukraine with a distinctive emphasis and welcoming a very special guest, Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to the plenary.
The president of the commission spoke during the Strasbourg session, framing the discussion on the Union’s status in France. Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, appeared as a joyful guest of honor at the plenary, and von der Leyen praised her role, saying she gave courage to an entire nation and offered hope to all who support Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine remains strong because its people fight every day, from street to street and from house to house, and that the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky and the resolve of the Ukrainian people have become a symbol of resilience. In addressing Zelenska, von der Leyen affirmed that the value of Europe is now inseparable from Ukraine, and that courage has a face—the face of Ukrainians confronting Russian aggression—an observation that drew sustained applause at the outset of his remarks. The message underscored European solidarity that has persisted since day one and remains a defining feature of the Union’s response to the crisis.
Sanctions against Russia were described as lasting, with a clear call for unwavering determination. The time is not to appease but to hold firm in response to Moscow’s aggression. Von der Leyen cited the departure of more than a thousand companies from Russia, a sharp drop in automobile production, and even logistics disruptions that affected Aeroflot, whose operations were hampered by parts shortages. The broader implication was not only a war on Ukraine but a broader war against Europe’s energy, economy, and shared values. Autocracy versus democracy was the framing, and von der Leyen expressed confidence that Putin would fail, while Europe and Ukraine would prevail through courage and unity.
Further commitments were outlined, including a 100 million euro package aimed at reconstructing Ukrainian schools, reflecting a belief that the country’s future is built within its classrooms. The plan envisions increasing access to the single market and an expanded roaming policy to facilitate Ukraine’s integration with Europe. A surprise trip to Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was announced for the upcoming Wednesday. The plan emphasizes rehabilitation of damaged schools, ensuring essential resources and support for students and educators alike. The European Commission’s leadership stressed that these actions are not mere promises but steps designed to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience as it continues to confront the ongoing war. In addition, the commitment to expand Ukraine’s mobile roaming access and to further integrate the country into the European single market was highlighted as part of Brussels’ broader strategy to support Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery and long-term alignment with European institutions.