In a recent address to the European Parliament, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgent need for European countries to bolster their production capabilities and competitiveness to achieve economic independence. She argued that the continent's reliance on external partners places it at risk of being weaponized against its interests. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of diversifying suppliers, creating alternative supply chains, and forming new partnerships to open additional markets as essential strategies for ensuring Europe’s economic sovereignty.

Von der Leyen noted that multiple agreements have already been signed in 2025 with countries such as Mexico, Indonesia, Switzerland, and the South American trade bloc MERCOSUR. Additionally, a significant agreement was recently reached with India, termed the "mother of all agreements," which signifies a major step towards enhancing trade relations. She expressed commitment to negotiating further agreements with various nations to fortify Europe's position in the global market and diversify its economic dependencies.

To facilitate easier trade and business across member states, von der Leyen announced plans for a new system to establish a unified framework of rules and laws across all EU countries. This initiative is aimed at smoothing operational processes for companies and expediting cross-border transactions, reinforcing the single market's integrity and operational efficiency. Von der Leyen's address underscores a strategic pivot towards self-sufficiency in light of global economic challenges, marking a significant policy shift for the EU.