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EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement Concluded: A New Era of Cooperation
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Australia 23-25 March to strengthen EU ties with a trusted, like-minded partner in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.The President visited Sydney and Canberra, including a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the Australian capital, a speech at the Australian Parliament as well as a keynote address at an event hosted by the European Australian Business Council.In her statement at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 24 March, President Ursula von der Leyen announced the conclusion of the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, praising its mutual benefits such as tariff-free exports for Australian goods and increased service opportunities. For the EU, this expands Europe's trade network, promises growth in exports, and saves significant tariffs. She emphasised the importance of collaborative resilience, particularly in trade, security, and critical raw materials. President von der Leyen also welcomed negotiations for Australia to join the Horizon Europe programme, enhancing research cooperation. The partnership reflects shared values in democracy, climate goals, and protecting future generations. For the full transcript of the President's statement, see here.
War in the Middle East, Energy Prices, and the Single Market: President von der Leyen at the European Council Meeting
On 20 March 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated in the joint press conference with President Costa following the meeting of the European Council of March 2026.In her speech, President Ursula von der Leyen articulated several urgent topics, starting with the circumstances unfolding in the Middle East. She underscored the need for de-escalation, civilian protection, and regional support, including the European Union's recent announcement of over EUR 450 million in humanitarian assistance. Concerning energy, President von der Leyen detailed strategic approaches to manage price volatility and secure supply, including both immediate relief measures and necessary structural alterations. Additionally, she elaborated on efforts to simplify EU governance and invigorate the Single Market, proposing initiatives to ease cross-border business operations and adapt competition policies amidst evolving global dynamics. On Ukraine, President von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's unwavering support through a EUR 90 billion loan, despite political impediments that have blocked its disbursement. She assured that the EU is committed to exploring alternative avenues to deliver this critical financial assistance.For the full transcript of the speech, see here.
EU Inc. and the 28th regime: “One Europe. One market.”
"We will make it easier for venture capital to flow to businesses; this will be done by the Savings and Investments Union. We will explore new possibilities for cross-border telework for start-ups and scale-ups. Today, we also adopted a Recommendation to harmonise the definition of innovative start-ups and scale-ups across Europe, so that we can design better policies to help our businesses, to grow and to thrive in Europe.This is our overall objective. One Europe. One Market."Find Commission President's full statement here.
Europe has been a pioneer in nuclear technology, and can lead again - President von der Leyen at the Nuclear Energy Summit
Today we are presenting a new European strategy for Small Modular Reactors.Our goal is simple.We want this new technology to be operational in Europe by the early 2030s.And to back this we will create a €200M guarantee, to support private investment in innovative nuclear technologies.The nuclear tech race is on. Europe has everything it needs to lead. We have half a million highly-skilled workers in nuclear. We have the ambition to move at speed and scale. For Europe to be a global hub of next-generation nuclear energy.Europe needs homegrown, low-carbon energy sources.Nuclear & renewables together have a key role to playNuclear energy is available around the clock, providing electricity all year.Europe has been a pioneer in nuclear technology.And can lead again.Read President von der Leyen's opening remarks here.
EU Ambassadors' Conference
Ambassadors from EU Delegations assembled for this year's EU Ambassadors Conference in Brussels on 9th March 2026. Both Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as well as High Representative and Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas delivered keynote speeches.In her speech, President von der Leyen emphasised the importance of Europe's evolving foreign policy in light of the current global situation, particularly in the Middle East. Highlighting the necessity for a realistic, interest-driven approach, she called for Europe to adapt to new challenges and threats. Proposed measures to do so are strengthening Europe’s security and defence, expanding trade networks, investing in global partnerships, and asserting its influence as a sovereign entity independent from reliance on outdated structures while simultaneously remaining committed to core values and allies. She underscored the significance of adapting diplomatic strategies for effective global governance and urges Europe to seize opportunities for asserting its interests and advancing European independence.Read the full speech here: https://link.europa.eu/QcPjTQ
Energy
Energy policy is critical for European competitiveness and security and to achieving climate neutrality. The EU’s main energy policy objectives are to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for people and businesses in Europe. Among other measures, we’re working to achieve this through:maintaining secure energy suppliessupporting the competitiveness of Europe’s clean tech industrypromoting clean and sustainable energy productionprioritising energy efficiency in all stages of the energy chain, from generation to final consumptionleading international discussions on the global energy transitionMore information: https://commission.europa.eu/topics/energy_en
European Employment and Social Rights Forum 2026
"Competitiveness is our goal. Social is our essence." - President von der LeyenOn 3 March 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated in the 2026 European Employment and Social Rights Forum.This Forum addressed the EU’s response to the challenges many people face today, including the rising cost of living, job insecurity, and changes in the labour market. Opinion leaders, policymakers, businesses, academics and civil society came together to explore bold ideas to support Europe’s greatest strength: its people. In her speech, President von der Leyen emphasised partnership to support Europe's social model, stressing that economic progress should serve the people. She identified three priorities: enhancing the Single Market, investing in skills and quality jobs, and addressing housing affordability. She proposed measures to improve labour mobility and invest in skills to prepare for AI-driven changes. Quality jobs were highlighted as essential for productivity. For housing, she called for EU actions to make it more affordable. President von der Leyen concluded by urging collaboration to secure future opportunities for Europe.For the full transcript of the President's speech, see here.
Ocean Pact
The Commission's new Ocean Pact encompasses different measures to protect Europe's seas and coasts: from protecting and restoring ocean health, to advancing ocean research, knowledge, skills and innovation and to support European coastal communities. Find more information about the Ocean Pact here.
Four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a war of aggression against Ukraine, challenging Ukrainians’ aspirations for a better future, and for getting closer to the EU. This was an attack, not just against Ukraine, but against freedom, self-determination, and democracy. To mark this 4th anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and to reaffirm its unwavering support to the people of Ukraine, the European Commission raised the Ukraine flag in front of its headquarters in Brussels on 23 February.Ever since the beginning of the war, the EU has stood up for Ukraine with unwavering commitment. EU countries have provided the country with unprecedented political, financial, military and humanitarian support and have welcomed millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge.The EU will continue to offer assistance to Ukraine and impose hard-hitting sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war.More information here.
Resilience and Prosperity for EU Eastern Border Regions
On 26th February 2026, European Comission President Ursula von der Leyen took part in a high-level conference concerning the protection of the EU's Eastern Border Regions. Executive Vice-President likewise participated, as did heads of state and ministers of eastern member states. Several regions from nine Member States – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria – have been affected by hybrid warfare, weaponised migration, economic and trade disruption, and demographic decline.In her speech, President von der Leyen presented a plan to boost and support these regions. She emphasized the significant impact of Russia's invasion of #Ukraine on the eastern border communities, and outlined a plan to strengthen these regions by prioritising security, defence, investment, and community engagement. Steps of this plan are the following: Commitment to enhance security by mobilising resources and initiatives like the Defence Readiness Roadmap and Drone Defence Initiative. A substantial investment mechanism called #EastInvest will be introduced to attract new financing into border regions. This will tap into assets such as renewable energy, agriculture, and technology. -Lastly, the plan underscores the importance of supporting local communities through flexible financial instruments, digital upskilling, and cross-border initiatives, ensuring resilience and prosperity of the regions. The European Commission has also adopted a comprehensive strategy to step up support for the EU eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine facing multiple challenges in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Strengthening the prosperity and resilience of these regions is not only an expression of EU solidarity but also a strategic investment in Europe's security, competitiveness, and future stability.Since the outset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU has extended political, technical, and financial support to its eastern regions to improve infrastructure, boost economic resilience, develop defence capabilities, address challenges in energy and connectivity, and support employment opportunities. Additionally, the EU–Ukraine Solidarity Lanes have sustained trade.