In a landmark address to the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared Russia's war against Ukraine will determine Europe's future for generations, calling sustained support for Kyiv the "key" to achieving just peace and continental security.

Key Statements:

1. Historic Imperative

   • "Europe stands at a decisive moment in its history – 80 years after WWII"

   • Warned against "any dictated peace agreement" that would embolden Putin

   • Called Russia "a persistent threat to Europe" requiring Ukrainian deterrence

2. Military & Energy Policy

   • Disclosed €50 billion (≈$57B) in military aid delivered to date

   • Urged transition from aid to integrated EU-Ukraine defense industries

   • Vowed complete phaseout of Russian gas/LNG imports by 2027

   • Proposed new contracts ban and spot market import prohibition by 2025

3. EU Accession Timeline

   • Confirmed first negotiation chapters to open this year

   • Targeted full chapter completion by 2025

   • Called membership "the strongest peace guarantee"

Strategic Context:
The speech coincided with:

• Intensified Russian offensive in Donbas

• Looming U.S. election uncertainty on Ukraine funding

• Hungary's obstruction of EU aid packages

Notable Terminology:

• "Just peace" (not merely "peace") – reflects EU Peace Formula principles

• "Persistent threat" – stronger than previous "challenge" characterizations

• "Integrated defense industries" – signals long-term strategic partnership

Translation Approach:

1. Maintained original speech cadence while adapting for English readability

2. Standardized financial figures with conversion and sourcing

3. Preserved rhetorical devices like generational framing

4. Added contextual markers for international audiences