During her speech at the Munich Security Conference, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, articulated the pressing need for Europe to achieve greater independence amidst escalating global crises. She highlighted the urgency of the situation, referring to the 'burning' world, and addressed challenges such as the EU-US relations, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the threats from external forces attempting to undermine the union from within.

Von der Leyen described the current geopolitical landscape as one of hostile competition and power dynamics that challenge the European way of life. She identified pressing issues, including territorial sovereignty, tariffs, and technological regulations, which underscore the vulnerabilities faced by Europe in a rapidly evolving international arena. Her remarks focus on the necessity of reassessing Europe's role and capabilities in the face of these multifaceted threats.

In light of these challenges, von der Leyen proposed a singular path forward: to make Europe 'more independent' across all sectors that affect security and prosperity, including defense, energy, economy and trade, raw materials, and digital technology. This vision signals a push towards a more unified and self-sufficient Europe that can navigate the complexities of 21st-century global politics without undue reliance on external powers.