Manfred Weber: “Europe Faces a Moment of Truth” — Calls for Unity on Defence, Economy, and Climate at EU Summit
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At the European Parliament debate in Strasbourg ahead of the European Council meeting of 23 October 2025, Manfred Weber, Chair of the European People’s Party (EPP), delivered a forceful speech describing Europe’s current challenges as “a moment of truth” for the continent’s future role in the world.
Weber began by painting a stark picture of Europe’s economic and social strains. He pointed out that half of all job losses in Germany last year occurred in the automotive sector — 50,000 well-paid positions — with similar challenges hitting France, Spain, Romania, and Italy. He linked this economic fragility to the broader reality of record wildfires across southern Europe and geopolitical instability, including Russian drone attacks and renewed border tensions in the East.
He warned that while Donald Trump and Xi Jinping step back from global cooperation, the fight against climate change “now rests on Europe’s shoulders”, leaving the EU increasingly isolated on the global stage.
Turning to geopolitics, Weber criticized Europe’s limited influence in international crises, noting that in the recent Gaza peace talks brokered by Trump, “Europe was merely an observer.” He urged EU leaders to “play a real role” on the world stage, particularly in supporting Ukraine, calling for the use of frozen Russian assets to finance weapons and reconstruction.
Weber also called for stronger European unity in foreign policy, warning that “on the global stage, Europe has either one voice — or no voice.” Responding to far-right calls for dialogue with Russia, he declared that “Putin has only one interest: destroying our European way of life.”
Addressing defence, Weber underscored that Europe will spend €6.4 trillion over the next decade, matching the United States’ investment levels. He said citizens expect equal military capability by 2035, urging deeper cooperation on initiatives such as the European Sky Shield, missile defence, and drone development. Reviving the postwar vision of Adenauer, De Gasperi, and Schuman, he called for progress toward a European Army.
On the economy, Weber highlighted the EPP’s focus on competitiveness and growth, supporting Omnibus 1 and praising the Commission’s 2026 Work Programme for promoting single market integration and new trade policies. He emphasized that Europe must attract global talent and ensure its industry remains competitive.
Finally, on climate policy, Weber endorsed ambitious decarbonisation goals but warned against sacrificing jobs and social balance. Citing President Macron and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, he said Europe must “be ambitious but pragmatic” in pursuing the 2040 climate target of 90% emissions reduction, welcoming renewed debate on combustion engines.
Weber concluded by stressing that the coming European Council meeting must deliver results: “This is not business as usual. Europe must act — and we, the EPP, are ready to deliver.”
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