Ursula von der Leyen Outlines EU Priorities Amid Trade Deal Backlash

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her State of the Union speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, setting the agenda for the 27-member bloc. The address comes after a turbulent summer marked by sharp criticism over her controversial trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Von der Leyen, recently re-elected for a second five-year term, has pledged to strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities, enhance competitiveness, and maintain strong support for Ukraine through financial aid and sanctions against Russia. However, her July agreement with Trump at his Scottish resort sparked widespread backlash. The deal cut EU tariffs on U.S. industrial goods, granted broader access for U.S. farm products, and accepted a 15% tariff on most EU exports, replacing previously lower duties. Critics, including France’s former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, condemned the pact as one-sided, while EU officials defended it as a necessary compromise to avoid a damaging trade war.

Observers note that von der Leyen is being unfairly singled out for broader EU challenges. EU law professor Alberto Alemanno argued she cannot alone confront the U.S., solve conflicts like Gaza, or mediate Ukraine talks.

This year, her Commission proposed measures to cut red tape and help European industries compete with China and the U.S. While some businesses welcomed these efforts, others claim they fall short of Mario Draghi’s competitiveness roadmap. Analysts stress that national governments also share responsibility for Europe’s economic lag.

Meanwhile, environmental groups and left-leaning lawmakers criticize her deregulation push, warning it undermines green laws and corporate accountability. Ahead of her speech, 470 NGOs condemned the Commission’s pro-business reforms.

Von der Leyen’s address is expected to highlight Europe’s defense, economic resilience, and unity—while seeking to balance business competitiveness with environmental and social concerns.