Ursula von der Leyen: Europe in crisis mode-ZDF special broadcast on Monday!

Ursula von der Leyen: Europe in crisis mode-ZDF special broadcast on Monday!

Washington D.C., USA - European politics faces tricky challenges, as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses in an upcoming interview in the ZDF. On Monday, June 2, 2025, the program "What now, Ms. von der Leyen?" broadcast at 7.20 p.m. Due to the programming change, the planned guide program "WISO" is postponed to make room for important political discussions. Bettina Schausten and Anne Gellinek are asked by the Leyen about the urgent topics of the time, including the tense relations with the United States under President Donald Trump and the role of Europe in the Ukraine War.

from the Leyen recently spoken for an independent Europe and demanded massive investments of 800 billion euros for the EU by 2030. In this important phase of European history, it emphasizes the need to secure the economic strength of Europe against the background of the ongoing trade conflict with the United States. The war in Ukraine and its effects on the entire region are also the focus of the discussion.

strengthen the European perspective

The interview takes place in the context of diverse political challenges. On May 29, 2025, when accepting the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, from the Leyen once again pronounced a call for an “independent Europe”. In doing so, it emphasized the urgency to form a strong European community that can act in the world at eye level. This requirement is particularly relevant because the EU faces complex decisions that affect both security and economic stability.

Another point of the ZDF interview will be what role Europe can and should play in the world after three years of Ukraina conflict. The war has not only changed the geopolitical landscape, but also influenced the cooperation between the European countries and their transatlantic partners.

transatlantic cooperation

in a recent basic speech at the Hudson Institute in Washington D.C. advised by the Leyen for the importance of the transatlantic partnership, especially with regard to the challenges that Russia and terrorism. She expressed that Vladimir Putin wanted the Ukraine from the Tilgen map and found that the Hamas threatened in connection with Iran Israel. Their statements illustrate the need for a common procedure for Europe and America.

from the Leyen emphasized that there are no contradictions between solidarity with Israel and humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The EU even tripled the humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and checks its development aid programs. This combination of support and diplomacy is crucial to promote peace in the Middle East and to defuse regional conflicts.

In terms of the Ukraine conflict, the Leyen emphasized that Ukraine would win, but needed support. So far, Europe and the USA of Ukraine have granted around $ 90 billion in support, including $ 27 billion for military aid. Future security guarantees and the expansion of defense expenditure in Europe are also central concerns for which it is strong.

Overall, the upcoming interview on ZDF will certainly not only be of interest to political observers, but also for a wider audience who is interested in the direction of Europe in global politics. The program changes will respond to the current challenges and the role of the EU in a geopolitical uncertain time.