European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a video message on 22 May 2026 marking 40 years since the death of Altiero Spinelli, called on Europeans to draw three key lessons from the founding father's life: daring to dream big, uniting pro-European forces, and building a common European defence. The speech, addressed to an event organised by Professor Dastoli and attended by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, framed Spinelli's legacy as a guide for the Union's future.
Von der Leyen highlighted Spinelli's trajectory from political prisoner on Ventotene, where he dreamed of a peaceful and united Europe, to his roles as a European Commissioner working for a strong industry, and as a member of the first elected European Parliament, where he pushed to transform the economic community into a true European Union. She noted that Spinelli brought together politicians from across the spectrum to draft the first treaty establishing the European Union, demonstrating that progress comes from unity rather than focusing on differences.
The President stressed that Spinelli was a lifelong supporter of common European defence, believing peace and freedom required a strong, more independent Europe. She said this was true forty years ago and is even truer today, adding that it is up to the current generation to make it happen. The speech contained no concrete proposals, measurable objectives, or numerical targets, instead offering declarative support for Spinelli's vision and a call for continued European integration.
Von der Leyen's remarks align with ongoing EU efforts to strengthen defence cooperation, though she did not reference any specific policy initiatives. The speech concluded with the Italian phrase 'Un'Europa libera – perché unita, forte e democratica' (A free Europe – because united, strong and democratic).