Ursula von der Leyen is set to pledge investment in European industry and protection from unfair competition in Paris, refocusing on her core promise of fixing the bloc's economic competitiveness. Speaking against a backdrop of fiscal strain and geopolitical crises, she aims to turn Europe's research and data into tangible economic advantage. Her remarks follow calls from four major EU states to reopen debate on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands is implementing a unilateral ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements, prompting Israeli retaliation. Brussels also faces pressure to reduce its trade deficit with China, with the Commission demanding tangible results by October. Despite these pressures, von der Leyen maintains that Europe possesses the industry, researchers, and data needed to succeed, insisting the bloc must now translate these assets into growth.

Roberta Metsola similarly urged politicians to transcend short-term interests and cut red tape to move the EU forward together.