By Caroline Hager
Every year in September, the European Commission President gives the State of the Union address to the European Parliament, setting out the Commission’s vision and priorities. Sadly, many citizens (and that includes journalists) remain unaware of this key moment in the EU calendar when Members of the European Parliament can hold the Commission democratically accountable by asking questions about the Commission’s proposals and their relevance to EU citizens. The address is a stark reminder how collective action through the EU is the best way to preserve our freedom and European quality of life in global turmoil.
Increasing European independence and strengthening security cooperation at a time of Russian aggression, Chinese competition and a hostile USA at war in the Middle East was at the heart of this year’s State of Union address presented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 16 September to the European Parliament. Unsurprisingly, the Commission proposes to work together to adapt to climate change and its devastating consequences of drought and wildfires. The rise of AI bringing increased opportunities as well as risks. Faced with so many challenges, the top priorities for EU action include:
Security and defence: The creation of a new European Security Council would include EU countries plus close partners such as the UK, Canada and Norway. An EU emergency security protocol (similar to NATO’s Article 4) to respond quickly to cyber and drone attacks and other threats. Ukraine will receive the strongest-ever support this winter with additional humanitarian aid, heating supplies and air defence assistance.
Migration: A new European Emergency Response Framework for situations where migration is used as a geopolitical weapon or countries face huge migrant arrivals. Countries would have more flexibility to take action under specific emergency conditions.
Climate change: Europe will work together to prepare better for heatwaves and wildfires with a new European Heatwave Plan, a Climate Insurance Alliance to expand insurance coverage for climate disasters, and plans for a permanent European firefighting fleet.
AI and digital: While recognising the importance of AI technology for Europe’s growth and competitiveness, President von der Leyen surprised MEPs by supporting calls to slow down the development of AI frontier models until stronger international safety guardrails are in place. AI could create disastrous cybersecurity and national security risks.
Children and social media: In response to the overwhelming evidence of the negative effects of screen time on children, the Commission will propose a “Kids Act” to ban social media for children under 13 and to limit access for 13–15-year-olds.
China: The Commission is getting tougher on China. Keep trading is the message but the Commission will use all its trade tools to stop unfair competition and to reduce Europe’s dependence on Chinese raw materials. A new European cooperation on critical raw materials would aim to secure supplies of lithium, rare earths and other materials so vital for today’s technology.
The Commission’s constructive invitation to make Canada the EU’s first associate member came as a big surprise. While governments welcome closer relations with Canada given its political and strategic importance, associate member status is not defined in the EU treaties and will require lots of negotiation. With President Trump menacing Canada, an alliance with the EU is clearly also in Canada’s interest.
This year’s State of the Union address painted a picture of Europe navigating increasingly stormy seas. The Commission argues that no member state can tackle these challenges alone, and that European cooperation matters. For citizens, businesses and policymakers alike, the months ahead will show whether the EU can turn its vision into practical action – and help steady the EU ship through an increasingly uncertain world.
