The State of the Union Address (SOTEU) is an annual address delivered by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament, in which the Union’s priorities for the coming year are set out. It is a key moment in EU democracy: an opportunity to
The aim of the SOTEU is to ensure that Europe meets the expectations of Europeans.
The President presents her plans and sets the agenda on what the European Union must deliver to meet the needs of Europeans, through concrete initiatives. This is also a time to pay tribute to European citizens, to everyday heroes: for example, the Paralympic athletes who achieved what seemed impossible, and the humanitarian workers providing aid on the front line.
Following the speech, a debate will take place with Members of the European Parliament, thereby strengthening accountability.
In this year’s address, President Ursula von der Leyen will set out her vision and key initiatives for the coming year, building on the EU’s achievements to date.
On 16 September 2026, the live broadcast of the State of the Union address will be available on the European Commission’s website.
This must be the moment for Europe’s independence. I believe this is our Union’s mission. Ultimately, it is about having the freedom and the power to determine our own destiny. And we know we can do it. Because together we have shown what is possible when we share the same ambition, unity and sense of urgency.
– Ursula von der Leyen, 2025 State of the Union address
And why is this important to you?
It is about turning promises into reality, and over the years the EU has delivered on:
- Plans to improve Europeans’ living standards and everyday lives: Connecting Europe through high-speed rail and promoting renewable energy and low-carbon fuels.
- Facilitating business growth and innovation through simpler EU rules: set up your ‘EU Inc.’ company in 48 hours, for less than €100.
- Investing in Europe’s security and resilience: stepping up efforts to protect citizens and strengthen our defence capabilities.
State of the Union 2025:
President Metsola, Honourable Members, Europe is in a fight. A fight for a continent that is whole and at peace. For a free and independent Europe. A fight for our values and our democracies. A fight for our liberty and our ability to determine our destiny for ourselves. Make no mistake – this is a fight for our future.
With these words, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, opened her State of the Union address to the European Parliament on 10 September 2025. In her address, she took stock of the EU’s progress and outlined the main priorities and projects for the coming year, against a backdrop marked by challenges relating to security, competitiveness and the defence of European values.
Notable among the proposals are measures to strengthen European competitiveness and to boost industry, innovation, artificial intelligence and digital networks. On defence and security, the Commission proposes to improve European defence readiness, strengthen border surveillance and combat organised crime and human trafficking. Von der Leyen also identified social justice and quality of life as priorities, with initiatives on affordable housing, the fight against poverty, quality employment, gender equality and adaptation to climate change. In agriculture, she proposes measures to facilitate generational succession and improve animal welfare. In the field of democracy, the Commission aims to strengthen protection against digital threats, combat corruption and cyberbullying, and increase the resilience of the media.
Finally, in foreign policy, the EU aims to strengthen its international role through new humanitarian initiatives, a Pact for the Mediterranean and a strategic agenda with India.
More information: European Commission
Publicaciones relacionadas:
President Ursula von der Leyen in Uzbekistan to take the EU-Central Asia partnership to the next level
Europe-Japan cooperation in AI-based manufacturing technologies
Statement by President Von der Ley at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
Republic of Korea joins Horizon Europe programme
XXV EU-China Summit
Leave a Reply