Finance
EU is at a crossroads towards more independence, von der Leyen says
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 21, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Summary
Ursula von der Leyen stresses the need for the EU to hasten its independence efforts, focusing on defense and security in Ukraine and the Arctic.
EU Must Accelerate Independence Efforts, Says Ursula von der Leyen
EU's Path to Greater Independence
STRASBOURG, France, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The EU needs to speed up its push for independence to defend itself in a fast-changing world, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
Need for Stronger Defense
"We are at a crossroads. Europe prefers dialogue and solutions – but we are fully prepared to act, if necessary, with unity, urgency and determination," von der Leyen said in a speech in European Parliament.
Focus on Ukraine and Arctic Security
"In this increasingly lawless world, Europe needs its own levers of power," she said.
"We know them: A strong economy, a thriving single market and industrial base, a strong innovation and technology capacity, united societies and above a real capacity to defend ourselves."
Von der Leyen said it was "more important than ever" to keep focusing on Ukraine, while the EU would work with the US and other partners to strengthen security in the Arctic region.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Lili Bayer, editing by Bart Meijer)
Key Takeaways
- •EU needs to accelerate its independence efforts.
- •Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes defense readiness.
- •Focus on Ukraine and Arctic security is crucial.
- •Europe must develop its own power levers.
- •Collaboration with the US and partners is vital.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU is at a crossroads towards more independence, von der Leyen says
1What is economic growth?
Economic growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, typically measured by the rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
2What is the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day operations of the EU.
3What is security in the context of the EU?
Security in the EU context refers to the measures and policies implemented to protect member states from external threats, including military, economic, and cyber threats.
4What is innovation in finance?
Innovation in finance refers to the introduction of new ideas, products, or methods in the financial sector, aimed at improving services, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
5What is strategic independence?
Strategic independence refers to the ability of a state or organization to make decisions and act autonomously in its interests, particularly in areas like security and economic policy.
