While the words ‘values’ and ‘fundamental rights’ were mentioned several times, ECPP is deeply disappointed that the Commission President did not utter a single word regarding freedom of religion or belief, or the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities throughout the world. 

Valeriu Ghilețchi, ECPP President:

The failure to address this fundamental value is telling. From von der Leyen’s speech, we cannot be very confident that religious freedom is a priority for the Commission. We have also not forgotten how long it took to re-appoint the Special Envoy for Religious Freedom. Globally, Christians are the most persecuted group. Religious freedom is under pressure, also in Europe. The European Union has an important role to play for the victims of persecution. It can raise the voice of those who cannot raise it themselves. The EU should recognise this! 

Defending and promoting freedom of religion or belief for all is fundamental to ECPP. We are concerned about the decreased knowledge of religious matters among European officials as a result of the growing secularisation of European societies. ECPP will continue to stand for persecuted Christians and the rights of religious minorities across the globe. 

Von der Leyen concluded her address by saying that Europe will “always stay faithful to its values” and “to never forget the birth of the Union”. For ECPP, such statements are inseparable from the Christian roots of the European project. 

Valeriu Ghilețchi, ECPP President:

We should not be afraid to say out loud that the European Union is based on Christian values. Our founding fathers, like Robert Schuman and Konrad Adenauer, were men of faith, and inspired by their Christian faith and values, they took steps of reconciliation and cooperation towards peace — and ultimately to the birth of the European project. So yes, let us not forget the birth of our Union.

Defence and Security 

ECPP welcomes the steps presented regarding defence. The threat posed by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the wider global geopolitical situation demand action and a strengthening of our defences. ECPP reiterates that NATO should remain the primary defence alliance and expresses reluctance towards the proposed establishment of a European Security Council. 

Migration and Border Protection 

ECPP welcomes President von der Leyen’s words of support for Ceuta and her acknowledgement that its borders are European borders. The Union’s external borders must be well protected, and extra measures to deal with an unusually high influx of migrants could prevent a recurrence of the events in Ceuta and Melilla.  

The proposed European Emergency Response Instrument for Migration should be a useful and necessary instrument rather than an empty measure, given that the Force Majeure Regulation already exists. Von der Leyen indicated the new instrument would allow for time-limited flexibility in standard procedures when migration is weaponised.  

ECPP emphasises that the human dignity of migrants and refugees, especially minors, must be upheld at all times. 

Artificial Intelligence 

ECPP acknowledges the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need to regulate it properly without stifling its development. ECPP stands for a human dignity approach to AI and agrees with von der Leyen’s statement that AI should have human agency. It is not there to replace people or jobs, but to serve as an assistant. 

Children and Online Safety 

ECPP wholeheartedly agrees that addictive algorithms and feeds that lure children away from the real world harm children and their development. Parents, not the online world, have the right to educate their children.  

Children must be protected from online dangers, including AI nudifier apps that facilitate the sexualisation of children online. ECPP awaits the announced EU Kids Act. While ECPP is cautious about the possible consequences of age restrictions and excessive censorship, it supports the announced initiative to ban social media for children under 13 years old, the gradual introduction of parent-supervised limited accounts for 13–15-year-olds, and the obligation on platforms to design safe accounts for 15–18-year-olds. It is paramount to protect children in these age groups from the negative effects of social media.

Regions and Local Identity 

ECPP welcomes the reaffirmation of the ‘right to stay’ and the commitment that Europe will not neglect its regions. Protecting and preserving local and regional identities and cultures is a testimony to the Union’s motto: ‘United in Diversity.’ 

Photo: © European Union 2026 – Source : EP