In her first annual address to the European Parliament, President Ursula von der Leyen accomplished something few of her predecessors have managed to achieve: she was crystal clear. No lofty rhetoric. No mild-mannered circles around delicate topics.
On a list of issues ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic response, to dealing with China, to fighting racism in Europe, President von der Leyen sent a strong, blunt and consistent message – the global system is breaking down, and we are...