EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday urged Europe to assert its independence in a “hostile” world, as she condemned Russia’s drone incursion in Poland and pushed for tougher action against Israel over Gaza.

“Battlelines for a new world order based on power are being drawn right now,” von der Leyen told the European Parliament in her annual State of the EU address.

“So, yes, Europe must fight. For its place in a world in which many major powers are either ambivalent or openly hostile to Europe,” she said.

“This must be Europe’s independence moment.”

The rallying call from the powerful head of the 27-nation bloc’s executive comes as she faces criticism over a trade deal with US President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, the bloc is grappling with the fourth year of the Ukraine war as it t

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