Ursula von der Leyen delivers state of the union speech in Strasbourg

On September 16, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union (SOTEU) address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Describing the current era as a time of both "great opportunities" and "great risks," she asserted that while the European Union is stronger than ever, it faces significant vulnerabilities in a complex geopolitical environment marked by the ongoing war in Ukraine, hybrid threats, and shifting global trade dynamics.

Key policy proposals include the creation of a European Security Council to enhance strategic cooperation with partners like Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom, alongside a new European framework to address sudden, instrumentalized mass migration. Von der Leyen emphasized the necessity for EU independence in energy, technology, and defense, noting that defense spending has increased by nearly 80% over the last five years. She also highlighted the need to rebalance trade relations with China, ensure raw material security, and implement a climate policy that is technologically neutral.

The President stressed that external borders are European borders, advocating for the full implementation of the migration and asylum pact while proposing additional emergency measures. Her agenda aims to bolster the EU's autonomy and capacity to act against foreign interference, drones, and cyberattacks while maintaining steadfast support for Ukraine.