Ursula von der Leyen Unveils Europe’s “Made-in-Europe” Clean Tech Push and Competitiveness Plan Ahead of EU Summit
In a pivotal address before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the European Union’s key priorities ahead of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025, focusing on defence readiness, Ukraine support, and a major competitiveness and clean tech strategy for Europe’s industrial future.
Von der Leyen confirmed that she and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs will present the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, strengthening Europe’s defence coordination and capabilities. She also referenced the reparations loan for Ukraine, which leaders will revisit at the summit.
However, the main thrust of her speech centered on Europe’s economic competitiveness and green transition, highlighting that the global clean-tech race is accelerating. She cited record figures: 580 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity added globally last year, a 60% rise in electric car sales in developing economies, and booming clean-tech markets worldwide.
Von der Leyen warned that while Europe remains a leader—hosting 40% of the world’s wind technology companies and exporting €80 billion in clean tech annually—other players, particularly China, are moving faster and more aggressively. She cautioned that Europe must “control the technologies that shape our future” and avoid falling into new dependencies on foreign suppliers of critical raw materials and green technologies.
She revealed plans for three major policy measures to keep Europe competitive:
1. A “Made-in-Europe” criterion for public procurement in key sectors, leveraging the EU’s vast 14% GDP spending power to support European-made clean products.
2. Stricter screening of foreign investments to ensure they benefit European workers and add local value.
3. New support initiatives for strategic sectors, including a “Battery Booster” programme and targeted measures for the automotive industry, signaling that “your future will be made in Europe.”
Turning to energy prices, von der Leyen called for urgent national and EU-level action to reduce electricity taxes, which she said are 15 times higher than taxes on gas, and make up 34% of industrial and 42% of household energy bills. She stressed that energy dependence on imported fossil fuels is undermining competitiveness and stability, arguing that “the lowest energy prices are in countries that produce abundant low-carbon power.”
The Commission, she said, will introduce a “Grids Package” and Energy Highways Initiative to modernize infrastructure and speed up permitting, while allowing cohesion funds to support grid investment.
Von der Leyen closed with a call for political unity, saying Europe faces a simple choice: “We can either stand still and fall behind, or we can build the jobs of the future right here in Europe.” She concluded her speech with a rallying call: “Let’s make it happen together — long live Europe.”
00:00 — Defence on the Agenda & Readiness Roadmap 2030
00:38 — Competitiveness & Decarbonisation: The Global Clean-Tech Boom
03:20 — Europe’s Strengths & Economic Security: Control Tech, Manufacturing, Raw Materials
06:12 — “Made in Europe” Plan: Procurement, Investment Screening, Battery/Auto Support
08:26 — Energy Costs, Grids & Taxes: Cut Bills, Build Clean Power, Act Now
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