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Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission, European Union

Search every verified Ursula von der Leyen interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has recently addressed several key policy areas, emphasizing the need for a massive surge in defense investment and closer EU-NATO cooperation. Speaking at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, she highlighted the EU's "Rearm Europe" program, which mobilizes up to €800 billion until 2030, including €150 billion for joint procurement. She also stressed the importance of working closely with Ukraine, noting the opening of an EU innovation office in Kyiv and encouraging joint ventures with Ukrainian companies to leverage their battlefield experience and innovation. On energy policy, von der Leyen delivered a keynote at the ONS Conference, arguing that Europe must accelerate its transition to clean, homegrown energy to end its dependence on fossil fuels. She cited that over 70% of EU electricity now comes from clean sources and outlined plans for an electrification action plan targeting 46% of total energy from electricity by 2040. Additionally, she addressed child safety online, receiving a report from a special panel and stating that social media platforms must prove their services do no harm, while also pledging action on Europe's housing affordability crisis, announcing plans for a European Housing Alliance and a high-level summit.

Recent appearances

Verified interview transcripts

Notable quotes

“The platforms were the architects of these systems. Now, they must prove that their services do no harm. In Europe, whoever develops a product is responsible for its safety.”

“The status quo, a world where we continue to allow big tech unrestricted access to our children, will only consign another generation to more mental harm, addiction, and misery.”

“We have our rearm Europe program which mobilizes up to 800 billion euros till 2030. In this program is safe 150 billion euros for joint procurement and not to forget the next long-term budget will have 131 billion euros for military capabilities plus 17 billion euros for military mobility.”

“We have our rearm Europe program which mobilizes up to 800 billion euros till 2030. In this program is safe safe 150 billion euros for joint procurement. And not to forget the next long-term budget will have 131 billion euros for military capabilities plus 17 billion euros for military mobility, which is also of utmost importance.”

“Security also means taking more responsibility for our own defense. So we welcome your decision to increase defense spending by 55% by 2030. During your presidency we will continue to advance Europe's defense readiness that spends till 2030.”

“Europe is facing a housing crisis, a crisis of affordability, access and quality. Our citizens are calling for solutions and we are responding. Under your presidency we aim to launch a European Housing Alliance and we will convene a high-level European Housing Summit. This is one of the defining social challenges of our time and our people expect us to deliver.”

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