Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen is the president of the European Commission.
Notable Quotes
"Reaching for tariffs as your first and last tool will not fix it."View Story →
"We cannot afford to depend on others for the technologies that keep our hospitals running, our energy grids stable and our services secure."View Story →
"This is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms, even in the face of immense challenges."View Story →
"Enlargement is a strategic choice. By bringing our nations closer together, we strengthen peace, security and prosperity across our continent."View Story →
"All Member States agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova."View Story →
"The opening of the first cluster is a recognition of the determination, courage and hard work shown by both countries in advancing reforms."View Story →
"At the first Intergovernmental Conference on Monday, we will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process."View Story →
"The Swiss people have spoken. The EU and Switzerland share deep ties and a strong partnership"View Story →
"The priority now is its swift and full implementation by all parties."View Story →
"The tide is turning for Ukraine."View Story →
"It would be delivered one way or another."View Story →
"And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor alike: we will not relent until peace is restored."View Story →
"We will not relent until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine's terms."View Story →
"When they are ready, we are ready."View Story →
"the EU would act once at least one Mercosur nation ratified the deal."View Story →
"I've said before, when they are ready, we are ready."View Story →
"Provisional application is by its nature provisional."View Story →
"The agreement can only be fully concluded once the European Parliament has given its consent."View Story →
"Mercosur is one of the most consequential trade agreements of the first half of this century."View Story →
"The commission will now proceed with provisional application."View Story →
"I’ve said before, when they are ready, we are ready."View Story →
"to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law."View Story →
"A credible transition in Iran is urgently needed."View Story →
"The risk of further escalation is real. This is why a credible transition in Iran is urgently needed."View Story →
"The risk of further escalation is real. This is why a credible transition in Iran is urgently needed."View Story →
"EU can no longer rely on 'rules-based' system against threats."View Story →
"Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old-world order, for a world that has gone and will not return."View Story →
"We can no longer rely on it as the only way to defend our interests or assume its rules will shelter us from the complex threats that we face."View Story →
"We will always defend and uphold the rules-based system that we helped to build with our allies, but we can no longer rely on it as the only way to defend our interests or assume its rules will shelter us from the complex threats that we face."View Story →
"This reduction in the share of nuclear was a choice, I believe that it was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emissions power."View Story →
"We see a global revival of nuclear energy. And Europe wants to be part of it."View Story →
"We want this new technology to be operational by the early 2030s."View Story →
"Soaring energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East were a stark reminder of Europe’s vulnerability as an importer of fossil fuels."View Story →
"It was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emission power."View Story →
"It was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emission power."View Story →
"This reduction in the share of nuclear was a choice, I believe that it was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emissions power."View Story →
"We see a global revival of nuclear energy. And Europe wants to be part of it."View Story →
"Decision to reduce nuclear energy in the EU was a 'strategic mistake'."View Story →
"This reduction in the share of nuclear power was a choice. I believe it was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable, low-emission energy source."View Story →
"We are witnessing a global return to nuclear power. And Europe wants to be part of it."View Story →
"Our goal is simple: we want this new technology to be operational in Europe by the early 2030s."View Story →
"This reduction in the share of nuclear was a choice. I believe that it was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emissions power."View Story →
"Turning away from nuclear power meant losing a reliable, low-carbon, and cost-effective source of electricity."View Story →
""This market is not functioning anymore.""View Story →
""This is a war on our energy, a war on our economy, a war on our values and a war on our future.""View Story →
"The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer. European experts are available immediately."View Story →
""The Ukrainians have welcomed and accepted this offer. European experts are available immediately.""View Story →
"Trust matters more than transactions."View Story →
"Von der Leyen hailed it as a huge deal."View Story →
"We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules."View Story →
"EU can give Morocco more border support."View Story →
"From this incident, it is clear that we must do more to further strengthen our borders at critical points."View Story →
"I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night."View Story →
"Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary."View Story →
Related Stories
France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
The Constitutional Council says it infringes upon freedom of expression - but President Macron vows to prepare a new draft.
August 14, 2026EU calls for stronger borders after Ceuta migrant crossings
Ursula von der Leyen has called for action ahead of an urgent EU interior ministers meeting to discuss the issue.
August 3, 2026EU can give Morocco more border support, von der Leyen tells Spain after Ceuta spat - Reuters
EU can give Morocco more border support, von der Leyen tells Spain after Ceuta spat Reuters
August 3, 2026EU calls emergency meeting to discuss Ceuta migrant crossings
There have been tense exchanges between Spain and other EU states over the influx of migrants into the enclave of Ceuta.
August 1, 2026Spain attacks 'selfish' response of some EU countries to Ceuta migrant crossings
Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen arrangement with Spain as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called scenes in Ceuta "shocking".
August 1, 2026Russian attacks kill six as Ukraine targets Black Sea oil tankers
Overnight Russia attacked sites in Odesa and Sumy, while Ukraine attacked 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea.
July 15, 2026Children's social media curbs planned across EU, von der Leyen says - Reuters
Children's social media curbs planned across EU, von der Leyen says Reuters
July 13, 2026Wildfire in southern France forces evacuation of 10,000 people
Tour de France organisers ban spectators from stage three as a wildfire hits the Pyrénées-Orientales region.
July 6, 2026Europeans to test Trump on Iran deal risks, urge Ukraine rethink at G7 - Reuters
Europeans to test Trump on Iran deal risks, urge Ukraine rethink at G7 Reuters
June 16, 2026Unclear if US-Iran agreement will provide respite to Lebanon
Pakistan says the deal includes Lebanon, but recent ceasefires there have failed to take hold.
June 15, 2026Swiss voters reject 10 million population cap, early projections say
Not all votes have been counted, but the current trend suggests 55% of participants voted against the proposal.
June 14, 2026North Korea says 'denuclearisation' is a matter terminated irreversibly - Reuters
North Korea says 'denuclearisation' is a matter terminated irreversibly Reuters
June 13, 2026EU envoys agree to first phase of membership talks for Ukraine and Moldova - Reuters
EU envoys agree to first phase of membership talks for Ukraine and Moldova Reuters
June 12, 2026EU deepens Brazil ties, seeks less reliance on US tech - Reuters
EU deepens Brazil ties, seeks less reliance on US tech Reuters
June 11, 2026China weathered Trump's tariffs - but the Iran war is taking a toll
The Middle East conflict is putting pressure on factory orders, costs and jobs in China's export-driven economy.
April 22, 2026Hungarians vote in landmark election closely watched by EU, Russia, US - Reuters
Hungarians vote in landmark election closely watched by EU, Russia, US Reuters
April 11, 2026Greece to ban social media for under-15s from next year
It follows similar moves in other European countries, including France and Spain.
April 8, 2026What we know about the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran
The provisional truce comes more than a month after the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran.
April 8, 2026Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
As war drives up gas and fuel prices, Europeans turn again to the issue of energy independence.
April 3, 2026Hungary election polls show opposition Tisza widening lead over Orban's Fidesz - Reuters
Hungary election polls show opposition Tisza widening lead over Orban's Fidesz Reuters
April 1, 2026European Parliament gives conditional approval to EU-US trade deal
The agreement would see EU tariffs on US goods reduced to zero while US tariffs on EU imports set at 15%.
March 26, 2026Australia and EU agree sweeping trade deal in face of global uncertainty
Australia and the EU sign sweeping trade and security deals after years of negotiations.
March 24, 2026G7 ready to act to protect global energy supplies, backs Hormuz Strait security - Reuters
G7 ready to act to protect global energy supplies, backs Hormuz Strait security Reuters
March 21, 2026Ukraine-Hungary oil pipeline row threatens EU loan
Kyiv and Budapest disagree on how badly damaged a hub in western Ukraine bombed by Russia really is, as its oil flow remains suspended.
March 20, 2026Hungary's Orbán accused of disloyalty and blackmail over Ukraine loan veto
The Hungarian leader says a pipeline carrying Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary must be repaired before any funds can be released.
March 20, 2026How the Iran war has left Europe facing yet another energy crisis
It is not the first time that there has been deep energy-linked frustration in the heart of Europe.
March 19, 2026Reducing Europe's nuclear energy sector was 'strategic mistake', EU chief says - Reuters
Reducing Europe's nuclear energy sector was 'strategic mistake', EU chief says Reuters
March 10, 2026Lebanon calls for talks with Israel on plan to end Hezbollah conflict
President Aoun outlines a path towards "permanent security and stability", as Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah continue.
March 10, 2026EU can no longer rely on 'rules-based' system against threats, von der Leyen says - Reuters
EU can no longer rely on 'rules-based' system against threats, von der Leyen says Reuters
March 9, 2026Slovakia PM Fico to meet EU's von der Leyen to push for restart of Druzhba oil flows - Reuters
Slovakia PM Fico to meet EU's von der Leyen to push for restart of Druzhba oil flows Reuters
March 8, 2026EU trade head says US has given assurance it will honor trade deal - Reuters
EU trade head says US has given assurance it will honor trade deal Reuters
March 5, 2026Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on Iran
European nations say they want to work better together but have differing priorities
March 3, 2026European capitals push back as Ukraine seeks fast-track EU membership - Reuters
European capitals push back as Ukraine seeks fast-track EU membership Reuters
March 3, 2026How the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran
World leaders have been giving their responses to the attacks on several Iranian cities and Tehran's retaliation.
February 28, 2026EU fast-tracks trade deal with South America's Mercosur, to France's chagrin - Reuters
EU fast-tracks trade deal with South America's Mercosur, to France's chagrin Reuters
February 27, 2026Russia says local truce established to enable repairs at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - Reuters
Russia says local truce established to enable repairs at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant Reuters
February 27, 2026Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
Events were held across Ukraine to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
February 24, 2026Kremlin says Ukraine conflict has evolved into a much wider confrontation with the West - Reuters
Kremlin says Ukraine conflict has evolved into a much wider confrontation with the West Reuters
February 24, 2026EU lawmakers again postpone vote on US trade deal after tariff upheaval - Reuters
EU lawmakers again postpone vote on US trade deal after tariff upheaval Reuters
February 23, 2026Hungary to block new EU sanctions on Russia over Ukraine pipeline dispute - Reuters
Hungary to block new EU sanctions on Russia over Ukraine pipeline dispute Reuters
February 22, 2026EU lawmaker urges delay to US trade deal vote after tariff upheaval - Reuters
EU lawmaker urges delay to US trade deal vote after tariff upheaval Reuters
February 22, 2026Tariff ruling limits Trump's leverage but won't end uncertainty for trade partners - Reuters
Tariff ruling limits Trump's leverage but won't end uncertainty for trade partners Reuters
February 22, 2026German industry seeks clarity on EU-US trade deal after US Supreme Court tariffs ruling - Reuters
German industry seeks clarity on EU-US trade deal after US Supreme Court tariffs ruling Reuters
February 20, 2026Trump mixes diplomacy and flattery at peace board meeting - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxQSGp3MF9TMzNuMTdCbFJkQWhfUEN0eXZTWERYYW9PVEYybENvQk9zRVk0MnBrOFVaQXUzbDBOeTVZd1h0VjhBNFI3dVpta1h4bkdqLTF0b1lqcUw2VzY3VXBQeTZsaVV1OVgxUlhWS3RweU1xckRSZjIzRkYzX0VNUk9sbDFMUEQ3YUYyMjVBQmhyUVBRUFVKdnVVWQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump mixes diplomacy and flattery at peace board meeting</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
February 19, 2026EU's von der Leyen invites scientists, researchers to make Europe their home - Reuters
EU's von der Leyen invites scientists, researchers to make Europe their home Reuters
April 29, 2025