The State of the Union (SOTEU) address is an annual speech by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament, setting her priorities for the Union for the year ahead. It is a key moment in EU’s democracy – an opportunity to
- reflect on the past year
- outline the EU’s priorities
- announce new initiatives.
The address is followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament, reinforcing accountability.
In this year’s address, President Ursula von der Leyen will share her vision and major initiatives for the year ahead—building on the EU’s achievements so far.
This marks the first SOTEU speech of her second mandate, setting the tone for the future.