State of the Union (SOTEU) address 2025

On 10 September, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will deliver the State of the Union address.

The State of the Union address (SOTEU) is the annual speech in which the President of the European Commission sets out her priorities for the Union for the coming year before the European Parliament. It is a key moment in EU democracy, an opportunity to:

• reflect on the past year;
• highlight the EU’s priorities;
• announce new initiatives.

The speech is followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament, which reinforces accountability. Each State of the Union address sets out the President’s vision and key initiatives for the coming year, making it an important moment for shaping the direction of the EU and responding to citizens’ expectations.

From election to action: how the EU is tackling today’s challenges

In June 2024, nearly 200 million Europeans voted in the European elections: the highest turnout in 20 years. This showed that citizens care about the EU and want it to respond to today’s most important challenges: peace and security in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the rising cost of living, energy and housing pressures, climate change and global competition in the field of new technologies.

Since December 2024, the new European Commission has focused on making Europe stronger and more resilient. It is boosting the economy, investing in skills and housing, ensuring affordable energy, and supporting innovation in areas such as clean technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, the EU is strengthening global partnerships, taking greater responsibility for its own defence, and standing firmly with Ukraine. Looking ahead, the modernised EU budget applicable from 2028 will provide the flexibility and ambition needed to tackle future crises. Europe’s strength lies in unity: together, we can meet the challenges ahead.

More information: European Commission