The rule of law is the foundation of our Union. It is not optional. It is not negotiable. It is what makes us who we are.
Analysis
The quotation appears verbatim in the official transcript of von der Leyen’s speech to the European Parliament on 20 May 2020, where she introduced the new rule‑of‑law mechanism. Multiple reputable news outlets reproduced the same wording, confirming the accuracy of the quote.
Background
In 2020 the European Commission introduced a new rule‑of‑law mechanism to protect EU values, prompting a high‑profile speech by Commission President von der Leyen to the European Parliament. She emphasized the non‑negotiable nature of the rule of law for the Union’s identity.
Verdict summary
Ursula von der Leyen made that statement in her 2020 European Parliament address on the EU rule‑of‑law mechanism.
Sources consulted
— European Commission press release, 20 May 2020 – 'Von der Leyen addresses European Parliament on rule‑of‑law mechanism' (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_1000)
— European Parliament official transcript of the speech (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-2020-05-20-EN.html)
— Politico Europe article, 21 May 2020 – 'Von der Leyen: Rule of law is not optional, not negotiable' (https://www.politico.eu/article/ursula-von-der-leyen-rule-of-law-not-optional-not-negotiable/)