With a view to the state of the Union. 3 Questions for the Boronian-Hrynevian Carolin

1. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered an yearly message on the state of the Union on 16 September. How would you sum up this speech, which is the most crucial thesis it contains?

For me, this was a message about the Union that is beginning to realize that safety is no longer solely about borders, energy, manufacture or military capabilities, but besides about our minds, assurance in institutions and cognitive resilience.

The president of the European Commission has stressed on respective occasions that the fast pace of technological change has a profound impact on our democracy and discourse, which is why we must act in their defence. She pointed to the increase in extremes, the decline of nuance in public discussion and the usage of real social fears to deepen polarisation. She spoke of the ongoing "fight of narrative" which undermines assurance in the Union and democratic institutions.