In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen urges the EU to build true independence, both economically and militarily.
We live in a world defined by raw power. Many of us don't like it, but we have to deal with the world as it is, says the Commission president.
She reiterates promises to invest in the Arctic and says that the EU is happy to cooperate with the US - but also calls it "completely wrong" for the US to threaten tariffs in response to Europe's unwillingness to abandon Greenland.
"We are at a crossroads. Europe prefers dialogue and solutions, but we are fully prepared to act with unity, urgency and determination," says von der Leyen.
