Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the Union address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will deliver her address on 15 September 2021. The speech will be followed by a plenary debate with members of the European Parliament.

The President also sets out how the Commission will address the most pressing challenges the European Union is facing and ideas for shaping the future of the EU.

Priorities of the von der Leyen Commission

The priorities set at the beginning of the mandate remain valid in addressing today’s challenges. The Commission has redoubled its efforts to fight the pandemic and to lead Europe out of the economic crisis, while not losing sight of its political priorities. The Commission stands fully committed to delivering on its flagship initiatives, the European Green Deal and the Digital Strategy, as they are key to relaunching the European economy and building a more resilient, sustainable, fair and prosperous Europe.

Europe is fully engaged in the transition to a healthy planet and a new digital world. But it can only do so by bringing people together and upgrading our unique social market economy to fit today’s new ambitions. This means making the most of our strengths and potential, and focusing on equality and creating chances for all, whether for women or men, whether from East, West, South or North, whether young or old. Europe will continue to strive for more.

On 14 July, the European Commission adopted a set of proposals to make the EU’s climate, energy, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Achieving these emission reductions in the next decade is crucial to Europe becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and making the European Green Deal a reality.

A Europe fit for the digital age: In her Political Guidelines, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to lead the transition to a healthy planet and a new digital world. In that context, she kick-started the debate on ethical Artificial Intelligence and the use of big data to create wealth for societies and businesses during her first 100 days in office.

An economy that works for people: The EU’s unique social market economy allows economies to grow and to reduce poverty and inequality. With Europe on a stable footing, the economy can fully respond to the needs of the EU’s citizens.

A stronger Europe in the world: The Commission seeks a coordinated approach to external action – from development aid to the Common Foreign and Security Policy – that secures a stronger and more united voice for Europe in the world.
Promoting our European way of life: The Commission will launch a comprehensive European Rule of Law Mechanism under which it is to report every year, objectively, on the condition of the rule of law across the Union.
A new push for European democracy: The Commission will strengthen its partnership with the European Parliament by ensuring its involvement at all stages of international negotiations, as well as throughout the legislative process.
Read the full speech here.

Source: European Commission

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay