The State of the European Union

On the 13th of September in Strasbourg the European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen held the annual speech concerning the State of the European Union. But what is it and what has been said?

The State of the European Union (in short SOTEU) is the annual speech delivered by the President of the European Commission (currently Ursula von der Leyen) to the September plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The speech aims to outline the main priorities and flagship initiatives for the year to come, while also giving an update on the European Union’s successes and achievements of the past years.

But what has been said during the speech? 

After an introduction reminder of the upcoming European elections, which will be held in June 2024, the President started her speech with an address about battles aiming at stopping violence against women, as “there can be no true equality without freedom from violence”, strong words, which underlines the importance of the topic, presented as first on the agenda of the speech. Later on, the President underlined the role of the Europe Green Deal, a cardinal point in reaching climate neutrality before 2050. 

The Green Deal, as Von der Leyen said, is fundamental for our “boiling planet” to protect it. Started in 2019, today the Green Deal is concentrated on the economic and industrial aspects, as it “has given a clear sense of direction for investment and innovation”, according to the President, bringing to the creation and innovation of industries, aiming at creating “a fair outcome for future generations – to live on healthy planet […], with decent jobs and a solemn promise to leave no one behind”.

Going on, the speech continued with a focus on cultural and biological biodiversity, underlining the importance of “biodiversity and ecosystem services” which “are vital for all of us in Europe”.

Regarding nature, Von der Leyen’s speech had a focus also on agriculture, as “agriculture and protection of the natural world can go hand in hand”, underling the importance of sustainable forms of cultivation.

Concerning economy, society and competitiveness, the President declared that the labour market has regained vivacity after the pandemic, going back to full level, but having as a consequence issues related to employment, especially for young workers and women.

Another economic challenge for the Union is represented by inflation, which is persistently high, mainly because of Putin’s deliberate use of gas as a weapon and the energy crisis. In this situation, Von der Leyen has therefore suggested a model of conduct the same model used in the 70’ to face the oil crisis. 

The third economic challenge was presented by the struggle to make business easier and without barriers. In particular, in this field, the President has underlined the importance of access to key technologies for development. 

In conclusion to her address on economy, society and competitiveness, the President has made an unexpected announcement, by declaring that the Italian former president of the Central European Bank Mario Draghi, “one of Europe’s great economic minds”, has been asked to prepare a report on the future of European competitiveness.  

Concerning global, migration and security, after a brief reminder on the importance of a new strategic approach for common issues between Europe and Africa, Von der Leyen has driven attention to one of Europe’s recent agreements with the Middle East and India, aiming at creating the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which will be the most direct connection to date between India, the Arabian Gulf and Europe making trade between India and Europe 40% faster. 

The President has then declared firmly her position in favour of the entrance into the EU of Bulgaria and Romania, which are already part of the Schengen area. She stood fiercely, declaring that Europe must let them in: “So let us finally bring them in – without any further delay”.

In the last part of her speech, the President has driven attention to the war in Ukraine, demonstrating the support and the protection of the European Union to Ukrainians in the EU, by providing an additional 50 billion euros for investments and reforms to help the reconstruction in Ukraine. Indeed, the President of the European Commission reiterated that the future of Ukraine, Western Balkans and Moldova is in the Union, while also affirming the importance of an EU perspective in Georgia, as Europe has to take the call of history, uniting people and respecting the foundation of the rule of law and fundamental rights. 

Recalling the merit-based criteria of access, the President finished then her declaration by hoping to include in the European Union more than 30 Members, finally, stressing the importance of writing “a new story for Europe”, to create a continent “reconciled with nature”, and “leading the way on the new technologies, united in freedom and peace”.

Bibliography:

European Commission, 13/09/2023: 2023 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_23_4426

Author: Elisa Modonutti