Strength and weaknesses of the soul of Europe

Abstract

The paper explores major points of the EU Commission President’s annual State of the Union Address to MEPs. The author underlines the fact that Ursula von der Leyen focused on claims for global leadership in several areas of world politics. The ambitious plans of the “geopolitical Commission” to move towards the Healthcare Union and Defense Union, which imply strengthening of the supranational component of integration, are analyzed. The new “Global Gate” project, designed to counter China's economic expansion, is mentioned. But the enhancement of the EU's role in the world is hindered by persistent internal disagreements on numerous economic and political issues.