European Commission President Delivers State of the Union Address

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on September 10, 2025, outlining a vision for a more independent, resilient, and united Europe in the face of mounting global and internal challenges. Opening with a stark warning, von der Leyen declared, “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.” She emphasized that the world is increasingly unforgiving, and the European Union must adapt to protect its citizens and its place on the world stage.

Calls for Unity and Independence

Von der Leyen described this period as “Europe’s Independence Moment,” urging member states and EU institutions to move beyond unanimity in decision-making, particularly in foreign policy, to ensure the bloc can act swiftly and effectively. She called for unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, announcing continued financial and military assistance, and proposed a “European Semester for Defence” to coordinate and strengthen collective security. Enlargement was also a key theme, with renewed commitments to the accession processes for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.

Economic, Social, and Technological Priorities

The President addressed the economic pressures facing Europeans, including the rising cost of living and the need for innovation. She announced a €500 million “Choose Europe” package to attract top scientific talent and highlighted investments in digital and clean technologies, such as the European Competitiveness Fund, AI Gigafactories, and a Battery Booster package. Von der Leyen also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to environmental goals, pledging to stay the course on the Green Pact and climate neutrality by 2050, despite criticism from both the left and right in the European Parliament.

A significant portion of the speech focused on social issues, notably the housing crisis. Von der Leyen promised the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan, aiming to make housing more accessible and sustainable, and announced plans for a legal initiative on short-term rentals and a revision of state aid rules to support housing measures. She stressed that housing is a matter of dignity and fairness, and essential to Europe’s future.

Foreign Policy and Regulatory Stance

On foreign policy, von der Leyen addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, proposing to suspend parts of the EU’s association agreement with Israel and to consider sanctions against extremist elements in the Israeli government. She also defended the EU’s right to regulate technology and digital markets independently, despite pressure from the United States, and highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses, though these deregulatory moves have drawn criticism from civil society and labor groups concerned about the potential erosion of social and environmental protections.

The address was widely seen as an effort to consolidate support across the political spectrum in the European Parliament, with von der Leyen reaching out to centrist and left-leaning groups while defending her record on defense, innovation, and social policy. While some praised her focus on unity and resilience, others criticized the speech as lacking in concrete solutions or ambition, particularly regarding trade and environmental policy. Von der Leyen concluded by reaffirming her commitment to cooperation and dialogue with all pro-European forces, stating, “I will always be ready to iron out differences and find common ground.”