Dear readers, I watched the EU State of the Union address so you don’t have to. Similar to the wearing of sashes by MEPs in parliament sessions, the annual address by the EU president is one of those unusual rituals which no EU citizen seems to know or care is being orchestrated. Ursula von der Leyen is not one to disappoint when it comes to bizarre statements and controversies, and this year’s address started off in that fashion. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” she said with a smile. The speech starting with a Dickens quote gave me strong urges to stop what I was doing and go outside. According to her, the Union is in the strongest state it has ever been in. Yes, I guess when she looks around at rising fascism and inequality it is strong from her perspective.
A stronger Europe is emerging from its recent trials! “One that is breaking free from its toxic dependency on Russian fossil fuels.” Ah yes, I remember when we broke free from the chains of cheap Russian oil for the loving embrace of fracked oil from the US. “Europe has increased defence spending by almost 80% in the last five years alone.” I am beginning to feel much safer indeed. Remember when we stood up for Greenland? We were so strong, until a deal was reached days after this speech supposedly giving the US permanent security control over the region.
She continues to note that the European Union is making drastic changes to cut red tape and streamline business; considering the track record, I am sure these changes will be cutting edge indeed. One positive note was that Ursula finally acknowledged that Europeans are dying at unprecedented levels due to climate change. I assume some pushback in the parliament for the abandonment of green policies led to this statement, along with some funding. Ursula is an optimist when it comes to AI. Good to know; all I assume from this comment is a further push in the drive to build data centres. As for every topic, this leads to a mention of defence, so it would seem the enemies are truly at the gates.
As we continue on the topic of defence, we hear the customary comments on Ukraine, along with guarantees for more sanctions and defence spending. Ursula also mentioned that people dying in Palestine is bad (but Israel has a right to defend itself), so thoughts and prayers for Palestine, I guess. Ursula also announced the formation of a European security council without much detail as to what this actually will consist of. Perhaps the UN but with added bureaucracy.
When it comes to migration, Ursula believes mass movements are being engineered and weaponised. She constantly mentions our enemies but can’t seem to figure out who they are, except when it comes to Russia. Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, so be sure to tune in for another exhilarating speech. Hurrah for EU democracy!
