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EU's Von der Leyen Urges Power Shift Amid Global Tensions

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 9, 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, said the European Union (EU) must assert its power.
She urged reconsidering the EU's reliance on the rules-based order to gauge whether institutions bolster or erode its credibility.
She urged EU ambassadors to adapt quickly to changing dynamics.
She acknowledged the Middle East conflict but refrained from condemning U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, calling the situation existential for Europe.

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Story summary

On March 9, 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, said the European Union (EU) must assert its power.
She urged reconsidering the EU's reliance on the rules-based order to gauge whether institutions bolster or erode its credibility.
She urged EU ambassadors to adapt quickly to changing dynamics.
She acknowledged the Middle East conflict but refrained from condemning U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, calling the situation existential for Europe.