Hanover, 7 April 2026 In a personal and politically reflective speech in Hanover, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen connects her roots in Lower Saxony with Europe’s capacity to navigate crises, stressing unity, energy security, and the need to restore confidence in the future of the European project. In a ceremonial address delivered in Hanover on 7 April 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used the occasion of receiving the Lower Saxony Land Medal to reflect on identity, resilience, and Europe’s strategic direction in a period of geopolitical uncertainty. Blending personal biography with political messaging, von der Leyen framed Lower Saxony as both a formative environment and a symbolic microcosm of European integration. Recalling her family history and early professional and political career in the region, she emphasized its role in shaping her understanding of cohesion, adaptability, and long-term transformation. A central theme of the speech was the concept of resilience through unity, illustrated by Lower Saxony’s post-war reconstruction and integration of diverse populations. Von der Leyen drew a direct parallel to the European Union’s capacity to respond collectively to crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing geopolitical disruptions. She underlined that energy security and strategic autonomy remain shared European responsibilities, arguing that no Member State can act effectively in isolation. Using the symbolic imagery of the Saxon Steed—featured on the medal—she highlighted stability and endurance as essential qualities for navigating current global volatility. Recent geopolitical shocks, she noted, have had immediate and tangible effects on European citizens, reinforcing the need for coordinated EU-level responses. A forward-looking dimension of the speech focused on restoring optimism and intergenerational responsibility. Referencing the legacy of astronomer Caroline Herschel, von der Leyen called for renewed ambition and confidence in Europe’s future. She warned that