Story perspectives

EU Calls for Strategic Independence Amid Rising Tensions

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a more unified, strategically independent Europe to reduce external influence from Russia, Turkey, and China.
She warned that the European Union (EU)'s reliance on cheap energy and labor from Russia, Turkey, and China has ended.
She advocated shifting EU foreign-policy decision-making to majority voting to bolster autonomy.
The remarks signal urgency to strengthen defense capabilities and internal cohesion amid tensions.

1 of 1

Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a more unified, strategically independent Europe to reduce external influence from Russia, Turkey, and China.
She warned that the European Union (EU)'s reliance on cheap energy and labor from Russia, Turkey, and China has ended.
She advocated shifting EU foreign-policy decision-making to majority voting to bolster autonomy.
The remarks signal urgency to strengthen defense capabilities and internal cohesion amid tensions.