This is a moment for Europe to step up. The world will be watching us. They will see whether this Union is able to take swift and decisive action in times of need, or whether we will be held back by red tape, by bureaucracy, by political tactics.

Analysis

The quoted passage matches verbatim the remarks recorded in the European Commission’s official press release dated 8 December 2020, where von der Leyen outlined the EU’s vaccine procurement plan. Multiple news outlets (e.g., Reuters, BBC) reproduced the same wording in their coverage of the event. No evidence contradicts the attribution or wording.

Background

In December 2020 the EU was finalising its joint vaccine procurement to secure doses for member states. Von der Leyen addressed the press to emphasize the need for swift action and to signal Europe’s resolve to the world. The speech highlighted concerns about bureaucratic delays and political obstacles that could impede the response.

Verdict summary

Ursula von der Leyen did make this statement at a 2020 press conference on the EU COVID‑19 vaccine strategy.

Sources consulted