MEPs discussed the Commission’s work over the past year and the most pressing challenges with President von der Leyen during the annual State of the European Union debate. At the start of the debate, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: ‘Our Union has always moved forward because there were people willing to […]
State of the Union 2026
What is SOTEU? 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 reflect on the past year outline […]
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. […]
European Year of Youth 2022 to empower young people
Parliament confirmed on Tuesday the decision to organise youth-focused and youth-centric activities and initiatives across all member states in 2022: Focus on including youth in European and national policymaking Young people will co-create year’s programme MEPs ensured budgetary top-ups for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps to finance accompanying initiatives The 2022 European Year of Youth […]
State of the Energy Union 2021
Renewables overtake fossil fuels as the EU’s main power source Last Tuesday, October 26, the European Commission adopted the State of the Energy Union 2021 report in which, almost two years after the launch of the European Green Pact, it takes stock of the EU’s progress in the clean energy transition. While some trends are […]
State of the EU: COVID-19, recovery, climate and external policy
“Our Union will be stronger if it is more like our next generation: reflective, determined and caring. Grounded in values and bold in action. This spirit will be more important than ever over the next twelve months.” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission Charting the course for the year ahead In the […]