Von der Leyen to Propose European Security Council in Key EU Speech

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to call for a new 'European Security Council' in her upcoming State of the Union address, according to leaked excerpts. The speech, scheduled for September 15, 2026, will focus on defense and security, with von der Leyen aiming to deliver an 'inspirational message' amid challenges in implementing EU defense plans. The proposal comes as the Commission has fulfilled only about a third of von der Leyen's previous promises over the past year, and as tensions with China loom. The State of the Union address is an annual event where the Commission President outlines priorities for the coming year.