The European Union’s policy direction for the coming year, as well as a review of the Commission’s activities over the past twelve months, are expected to be presented today at the European Parliament in Strasbourg by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is expected to present today at the European Parliament in Strasbourg,
This year’s address takes place against the backdrop of a particularly volatile geopolitical and political environment, with the war in Ukraine continuing, European security taking center stage, strengthening defense capabilities as a priority, and the EU seeking greater strategic autonomy in a world of growing geopolitical and trade rivalries. At the same time, the relationship with the United States has become more complex and less predictable, while Russia continues to pose a major challenge to European security, with concerns over hybrid operations and acts of sabotage intensifying.
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According to information available so far, competitiveness and European independence are expected to take center stage in the speech, with an emphasis on industry, innovation, artificial intelligence, reducing bureaucracy, and diversifying trade relations.
The Commission highlights as key achievements of the past year the adoption of a series of measures to simplify European rules and reduce bureaucracy, the roadmap “One Europe, One Market,” the Industrial Accelerator Act, and EU Inc., the new unified framework for corporate rules. In the energy sector, the Commission is expected to highlight steps toward reducing Europe’s dependencies, including through the European Grids Package and the Energy Highways initiative, while in trade, the Commission is highlighting new agreements and trade partnerships ranging from the Indo-Pacific to Latin America.
Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on defense and Ukraine. The Commission has already presented the Defense Readiness Roadmap through 2030, proposed five new large-scale defense projects, and agreed to provide up to 90 billion euros in loan financing for Ukraine for 2026 and 2027, while in July it signed a new partnership with Kyiv in the defense industry sector. The EU has also moved forward with forming an alliance with Ukraine in the field of drones.
On migration, some of the most politically sensitive issues are expected. The Commission is examining legal tools to respond more quickly to sudden mass arrivals, including the concept of a “grouped return” (one grouped return), as well as possible guidelines for the temporary suspension of asylum applications under specific conditions. At the same time, von der Leyen is expected to revive plans to strengthen Frontex, with a target force of up to 30,000 personnel, while the issue has taken on particular political significance following the crisis in Ceuta and allegations of “instrumentalized” migration at the EU’s eastern borders.
At the same time, von der Leyen is called upon to strike a balance between the different political priorities of the European Parliament factions that support the Commission. Migration, the green transition, and the EU’s relationship with the far right are all areas of political contention in the European Parliament. The EPP is pushing for less regulation, a stronger Frontex, and a stricter immigration policy, while the Socialists are calling for the preservation of green commitments and a clear rejection of any cooperation with the far right.
The speech is also expected to address children’s safety online. The Commission has already established a special expert group on children’s online safety, and von der Leyen herself has announced further initiatives in this area.
This year’s State of the Union address is expected to be attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who will be at the European Parliament on Thursday—one day after von der Leyen’s address—to address the plenary session. Carney will be the first head of government to attend a State of the Union address, and von der Leyen is also expected to attend his speech on Thursday. His presence is part of efforts to strengthen EU-Canada relations at a time of significant geopolitical and trade shifts.
