Von der Leyen presents the vision of an "independent Europe" at the New Year's reception

The President of the Commission confirms 90 billion euros for Ukraine and supports the "28th regime" for unifying business rules within the bloc.

Brussels, January 15, 2026 – Speaking alongside the President of the European Council, António Costa, at their joint New Year reception, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, set a determined agenda for the year 2026. Centered on the mission to build an "independent Europe", her speech highlighted three critical pillars: security, economic competitiveness, and global partnerships.

In short

Von der Leyen confirmed a joint agreement to raise 90 billion euros to support Ukraine's military and financial needs for the next two years.

To boost competitiveness, the Commission will propose a "28th regime", which will allow businesses to operate under a single set of rules across the Union.

The President supported the Mercosur agreement as a choice of "trade over tariffs" and listed ongoing negotiations with India, Australia, and the UAE.

President von der Leyen described the current geopolitical landscape as "unsettling", citing unfolding events from Greenland to Iran. However, she argued that these challenges clarify the EU's mission: to ensure the freedom and power to shape its own future. Regarding security, she reiterated the bloc's "unwavering" support for Kyiv. Referring to a recent agreement with President Costa, she confirmed that the EU will jointly raise 90 billion euros to cover most of Ukraine's needs, including military support, for the next two years. She also noted the progress made by the "Coalition of Will" regarding solid security guarantees, stating that "peace and security in Europe depend first and foremost on us".

Turning to the economy, von der Leyen acknowledged that 2025 was defined by "export controls and tariffs". To counter dependencies and stimulate growth, she announced a forthcoming proposal for the so-called "28th regime". This legal framework would allow companies to operate under a single set of rules across the Union, bypassing the fragmentation of national regulations. This initiative fits into a broader strategy that includes the Union of Economies and Investments, aimed at providing European companies with better access to capital at home.

In the following, the President emphasized that independence does not equate to isolation. She celebrated the choice of a "common path" with Mercosur, describing the agreement – which covers 20% of global GDP – as a rejection of polarization. Looking to the future, she signaled an open-door policy for business and diplomacy, listing India, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE as key partners for future negotiations. She concluded by quoting the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, encouraging the diplomatic corps to "build things that have never existed before".

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/von-der-leyen-prezinta-viziunea-unei-europe-independente-la-receptia-de-anul-nou