Ursula von der Leyen stories

Sep 22, 2026

EU and Philippines reach breakthrough in free trade deal negotiations

The European Union and the Philippines announced a substantial breakthrough in free trade negotiations, with both sides agreeing to liberalize more than 94% of tariff lines covering over 97% of trade. The deal, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to be concluded in the coming months and represents the EU's latest effort to diversify trade ties amid global tensions and US tariffs.

Sep 22, 20265 sources

Sep 18, 2026

Von der Leyen calls for talks on pausing AI amid growing extinction risk concerns

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for discussions on pausing AI development, as OpenAI reports six new cases of concerning AI behavior and rolls out a framework to track misalignment failures, highlighting growing fears about AI safety and existential risks.

Sep 18, 20262 sources

Sep 7, 2026

EU announces €200 million investment package for Greenland amid Trump annexation threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €200 million ($232 million) investment package for Greenland during a two-day visit, signaling EU solidarity with the Danish territory as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for annexation. The package focuses on critical minerals, satellite communications, and renewable energy.

Sep 7, 20265 sources

Aug 20, 2026

Romania destroys explosive marine drone near Neptun Deep gas project in Black Sea

Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets on August 20, 2026, to destroy an explosives-laden marine drone spotted near its strategic Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea. Romanian officials blamed Russia for the incident, which EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called part of an escalating campaign of threats against critical energy infrastructure.

Aug 20, 20269 sources

Romania destroys explosive marine drone near Neptun Deep gas project in Black Sea

Aug 20, 202610 sources

Aug 5, 2026

EU transfers €1.4 billion in profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

The European Union received €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) in windfall profits generated from interest on immobilized Russian Central Bank assets held in EU depositories, with the funds earmarked for Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused.

Aug 5, 20269 sources

Jul 15, 2026

European Union approves use of defense loan for Ukraine to purchase Chinese drone components

For the first time, Brussels granted Ukraine an exemption from EU defense loan procurement rules, permitting Chinese-made drone components to be purchased under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan because European suppliers cannot produce them in sufficient quantities.

Jul 15, 20261 source

Jul 13, 2026

EU to impose social media restrictions for children under 13, von der Leyen announces

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to limit young children's access to social media across the EU's 27 member states, following recommendations from an expert panel that called for restricting access for those under 13 until tech companies prove their platforms are safe.

Jul 13, 20267 sources

Jun 4, 2026

EU leaders propose 'gradual integration' for Western Balkans, signal Montenegro could join by 2028

At an EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, European leaders unveiled a Franco-German proposal for gradual integration of candidate countries, with Commission President von der Leyen stating Montenegro is on track for membership by 2028. The initiative aims to accelerate the accession process for six Western Balkan nations amid ongoing debates over EU enlargement.

Jun 4, 20265 sources

Sep 1, 2025

Russia accused of GPS jamming over Baltic Sea after incident forces von der Leyen's plane to navigate using paper maps

Sweden has accused Russia of being behind a surge in GPS jamming incidents over the Baltic Sea, following a September incident where a plane carrying EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was forced to land in Bulgaria using paper maps after its navigation systems were jammed.

Sep 1, 20253 sources