TIRANA, December 17 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for unity and collective security ahead of Thursday’s summit. She addressed divisions among European leaders over the use of Russian assets and disagreements on the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement.

In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must take responsibility for its own security, especially in the shadow of the war in Ukraine.

She said that self-protection was no longer optional. Von der Leyen added that Europeans must defend themselves and rely on their own resources, warning that they could not allow others’ worldviews to define them.

She also highlighted economic and security challenges, stressing that Europe’s era of independence must remain unstoppable.

Von der Leyen cited the United States’ National Security Strategy, noting that Europe was losing share of the global GDP while warning that the U.S. faced similar challenges.

Officials said her strong appeal came at a critical moment for the European Union, where internal and external challenges require a united approach and a renewed vision for the continent’s future.

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