European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned the EU is "the strongest" but "most precarious" it has ever been as it faces "an openly hostile world" as she delivered her annual State of the Union address in the European parliament in Strasbourg. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Von der Leyen outlined proposals for reforming the EU's single market and improving competitiveness and innovation, as well as electrifying its energy market, and rebalancing its trade relationship with partners, particularly China.
In one of the most eye-catching proposals, she suggested Canada could become an associate member of the European Union.
Von der Leyen also warned about the growing threat from Russia as she called for a "European Security Council" to help countries coordinate on security issues, as she pledged further support to Ukraine.
In her wide-ranging speech, she also discussed the issue of irregular migration and criticised Israel for "unacceptable" plans for its illegal E1 settlement project.
She also called for urgent action on climate preparedness as she warned Europe faced "the hottest summer months ever, but the coolest of years to come".
Von der Leyen also confirmed plans to introduce tougher rules on social media to protect children online, including a ban for users under the age of 13, as she warned that highly addictive platforms are "depriving children of their childhood".
The commission president also advocated for "AI with human agency," and for Europe to explore "hidden" value where it can capitalise on its "big advantages".
In a pointed comment, she also criticised Serbia for last week's funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying "glorifying war criminals simply has no place in the European Union".