EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen delivers first 'State of the Union' speech

Synopsis

Richard Walker, the chief international editor, discusses Ursula von der Leyen's upcoming speech amid the fragile state of the European Union. The speech aims to reassure citizens about the EU's pandemic recovery plan, primarily focusing on the EU's recovery fund, which is considered von der Leyen's most significant achievement in her first year in office. This fund was agreed upon in July during a summit with EU leaders and represents a breakthrough in collective financial action among member states. The plan involves the European Commission borrowing money on the market, guaranteed by all member states, marking a historic moment of solidarity. Walker highlights the challenges faced, including resistance from smaller northern European states regarding the collective debt. The speech is expected to emphasize the EU's unity and future direction in addressing the economic fallout from the pandemic, aiming to garner applause from the audience.