Ursula von der Leyen
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.
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10 Sept 2025
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.
Recorded here asThis is Europe's independence moment: it must be able to provide its own defence and control the technology and energy its economy runs on.
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10 Sept 2025
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.
Recorded here asA new world order based on raw power is being drawn right now, and Europe has to fight for its place in it.
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10 Sept 2025
Their wordsThis is Russia's war. And it is Russia that should pay. This is why we need to work urgently on a new solution to finance Ukraine's war effort on the basis of the immobilised Russian assets. With the cash balances associated to these Russian assets, we can provide Ukraine with a Reparations Loan.