LIVE: Von der Leyen, Kallas address EU diplomats at conference

Accelerated Decision-Making Required in Unpredictable World

Roberta Metsola emphasized that the EU can no longer afford its traditional slow consensus-building process and must abandon bureaucratic habits that prevent decisive action in a dangerous, fast-moving geopolitical landscape.

Europe Must Abandon Outdated Multilateral Custodianship

Ursula von der Leyen declared that Europe can no longer serve as mere custodian of a vanished postwar rules-based order and must forge a realistic, interest-driven foreign policy suited to contemporary threats.

Postwar Institutions Need Urgent Credibility Assessment

Von der Leyen called for a hard look at whether diplomatic institutions designed for stability and compromise now hinder rather than help Europe's credibility as a unified geopolitical actor.

Sustained Support for Ukraine Remains Unwavering

Both leaders reaffirmed that Europe's commitment must match the threat level as the war enters year five, insisting any peace requires Ukrainian integrity and dignity under the principle of 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine'.

Iranian Regime Deserves No European Sympathy

Von der Leyen stated there should be 'no tears shed' for the Iranian regime that slaughtered its own people, while Metsola condemned recent attacks on Gulf shipping and expressed solidarity with Iranian protestors.

Middle East Conflict Spills Over to Europe

Von der Leyen highlighted existential risks to the international system from regional escalation, noting disruptions to energy, trade, and transport, plus attacks on NATO troops and British bases in Cyprus.

Generational Project of European Independence Underway

Von der Leyen outlined efforts to reduce strategic dependencies in defense, energy, semiconductors, and critical raw materials through diversification, derisking, and deeper partnerships with reliable allies.

Economic Security Tools Defend Member State Interests

The Commission President noted Europe is increasingly leveraging its market power, trading reach, and economic security instruments to counter foreign manipulation and defend against coercion.

Delayed Enlargement Creates Dangerous Power Vacuums

Metsola stressed that merit-based enlargement for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans is a geopolitical necessity, warning that hesitation leaves space for adversaries to fill the void.

Unique Window to Reset UK Relations

Metsola described a fleeting opportunity to build new pragmatic bridges with the United Kingdom based on unprecedented positive mood and willingness to find solutions respecting Brexit realities.

Transatlantic Alliance Requires Realistic Modern Adaptation

While affirming the US alliance as the backbone of security, both leaders urged clear-eyed recognition of disagreements and adaptation to modern realities rather than naive reliance on past structures.

Parliamentary Diplomacy Critical for Global Legitimacy

Metsola emphasized that European Parliament members build essential legitimacy for foreign policy, open doors in national parliaments for trade deals, and advance democracy support through 60 parliamentary networks worldwide.