At 09.00 on Wednesday, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her first State of the European Union address since being re-elected, followed by a discussion with MEPs.

In her speech, von der Leyen is expected to outline the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. She is set to focus on the global challenges the EU is facing, including EU-US relations, the EU’s continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s aggression, European defence and security, sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, the EU’s twin green and digital transition, and how to protect democracy and core EU values. 

In their reactions, MEPs will assess the Commission’s work and its plans for the year ahead, while also presenting their own priorities. The annual State of the Union debate allows MEPs to scrutinise the European Commission’s work and help to steer EU policy.

The State of the European Union debate is a key moment of accountability for the European Commission towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives, fostering a more transparent and democratic Union.

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

VON DER LEYEN, Ursula (DE, EC)

state of the European Union 2025 (T)

State of the European Union 2025 debate

EP President Roberta METSOLA, makes a statement following the State of the European Union 2025 debate. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen delivers her fifth State of the European Union address on 10 September 2025. The Commission President outlines the main priorities and flagships initiatives for the forthcoming year, building on the EU's achievements from recent years. The debate that follows the SOTEU address provides the opportunity for Parliament to shape, together with the Commission and the Council, the EU's political and legislative agenda. The SOTEU serves as an essential tool for the Commission's accountability to Parliament, aimed at making the EU-level priorities more transparent while also communicating these priorities to the public. The practice of European Commission Presidents delivering a State of the Union address each year in September, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, began in 2010.

State of the European Union 2025: statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following the debate

This news item shows extracts from the statements by the political groups leaders after the State of the European Union 2025 speech by President von der Leyen. In their reactions, MEPs assess the Commission’s work and its plans for the year ahead, while also presenting their own priorities. Political groups leaders mainly spoke about the tariffs deal signed between the US and the EU and highlighted the urgency to act for Gaza and sanction Israel. The annual State of the European Union debate allows MEPs to scrutinise the European Commission’s work and help to steer EU policy. The State of the European Union debate is a key moment of accountability for the European Commission towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives, fostering a more transparent and democratic Union.

State of the European Union 2025: extracts from the statements by the political groups chairs

This News items presents the highlights of the State of the European Union 2025 speech by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission during the EP plenary session. She outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. She focus on the global challenges the EU is facing, including EU-US relations, the EU’s continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s aggression, European defence and security, sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, the EU’s twin green and digital transition, and how to protect democracy and core EU values.

State of the European Union 2025: highlights of the speech by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

The SOTEU serves as an essential tool for the Commission's accountability to Parliament, aimed at making the EU-level priorities more transparent while also communicating these priorities to the public. The practice of European Commission Presidents delivering a State of the Union address each year in September, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, began in 2010. The political group speakers (in reverse order) speak after the answers given by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statements by political group speakers (in reverse order)

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen delivers her fifth State of the European Union address on 10 September 2025. The Commission President outlines the main priorities and flagships initiatives for the forthcoming year, building on the EU's achievements from recent years. The debate that follows the SOTEU address provides the opportunity for Parliament to shape, together with the Commission and the Council, the EU's political and legislative agenda. Ursula von der Leyen addresses the MEPs' statements in this answering statement. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against devliery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: answering statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

In their reactions to Ursula von der LEYEN's speech, MEPs assess the Commission’s work and its plans for the year ahead, while also presenting their own priorities. The annual State of the Union debate allows MEPs to scrutinise the European Commission’s work and help to steer EU policy. The State of the European Union debate is a key moment of accountability for the European Commission towards the EU’s democratically elected representatives, fostering a more transparent and democratic Union.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: MEPs debate (part 2 - Including Catch the eye)

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: MEPs debate (part 1)

Marie BJERRE, Council of the EU representative, reacts to Ursula Von der LEYEN's speech on the State of the European Union in the European Parliament. She underlines that several of the issues mentioned by Ursula von de Leyen are completely in line with the Danish presidency's priorities. As a few exemples: the solidarity with Ukraine, the strengthening of Europe's defence industry, the protection of the rule-based international order, the fight against irregular migration, a competitive and greener Europe. The SOTEU serves as an essential tool for the Commission's accountability to Parliament, aimed at making the EU-level priorities more transparent while also communicating these priorities to the public. The practice of European Commission Presidents delivering a State of the Union address each year in September, during a plenary session of the European Parliament, began in 2010. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Marie BJERRE, Council of the EU representative

René AUST (ESN, DE), Chair of the ESN Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by René AUST (ESN, DE), Chair of the ESN Group

Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), Chair of the Left Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Martin SCHIRDEWAN (The Left, DE), Chair of the Left Group

Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Chair of the Greens/EFA Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. He urges Europe to act as a true global power. He stresses the need for moral leadership, immediate action on Gaza, climate action, and investing in European renewables and green innovation. He calls for stronger security, economic, and digital policies focused on people’s freedoms, not just corporate profits. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Bas EICKHOUT (Greens/EFA, NL), Chair of the Greens/EFA Group

Valérie HAYER (RENEW, FR), Chair of the Renew Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. Valérie HAYER warns that Europe is losing its people and influence due to weakness on global issues like security, climate, and competitiveness. She stresses the need for stronger European unity, defense support for Ukraine, and decisive action on democracy and economy. She calls for urgent institutional reforms, more political will, and greater European investment to protect values and ensure Europe's future. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Valérie HAYER (RENEW, FR), Chair of the Renew Group

EP Plenary session - State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025

Plenary session

Nicola PROCACCINI (ECR, IT), Chair of the ECR Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. He warns about the dangerous global situation, highlighting the alliance of China, Russia, and North Korea as a threat to the world order. He stresses that Europe should strengthen its values, economy, defense, and alliances without adopting an overly aggressive stance. He welcomes the recent trade agreement with the US as a positive step. However, he criticizes the Green Deal, saying it hinders European competitiveness and economic growth, which are necessary for defense and welfare. Finally, he expresses concern over the vacant EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion post and urges the President to act swiftly to defend fundamental principles and religious freedom. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Nicola PROCACCINI (ECR, IT), Chair of the ECR Group

Jordan BARDELLA (PfE, FR), Chair of the PfE Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Jordan BARDELLA (PfE, FR), Chair of the PfE Group

Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), Chair of the S&D Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), Chair of the S&D Group

Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Chair of the EPP Group, makes a statement after Ursula Von der LEYEN's State of the European Union speech. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Chair of the EPP Group

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her first State of the European Union address since being re-elected. In her speech, von der Leyen outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this part of the speech, she mentions the EU's climate and environmental goals. She announces measures to shield European citizens from economoic hardship in the transition to a cleaner economy; and protect European industries from unfair competition. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against devliery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 5 - Green transition and Climate resilience)

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, gives her first State of the European Union address during a debate in the European Parliament since being re-elected. In her speech, Ursula von der LEYEN outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this part of her speech, she notably speaks about competitiveness, single market and AI. She also asks to move fast on the Circular Economy Act and proposes an Industrial Accelerator Act for the key strategic sectors and technologies. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 4 - Economic competitiveness and Innovation)

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen delivers her fifth State of the European Union address on 10 September 2025. The Commission President outlines the main priorities and flagships initiatives for the forthcoming year, building on the EU's achievements from recent years. The debate that follows the SOTEU address provides the opportunity for Parliament to shape, together with the Commission and the Council, the EU's political and legislative agenda. In this part of her speech, President Ursula von der Leyen speaks about the situation in Gaza, the EU relations with Israël and the Palestinanian Authority. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 3 - Gaza - Israel)

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her first State of the European Union address since being re-elected. In her speech, von der Leyen outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this part of the speech, she highlights the EU's commitment to support Ukraine and explains some proposals to make Ukraine stronger - whilst bolstering EU defence capabilities in the process - to achieve a lasting peace in Europe with security guarantees. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against devliery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 2 - Support for Ukraine)

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, gives her first State of the European Union address during a debate in the European Parliament since being re-elected. In her speech, Ursula von der LEYEN outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this part of her speech, she notably speaks about the situation in Ukraine four years after the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 1 - European Security - Unity and Solidarity)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, opens the session and makes an introductory statement on the State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025 debate, before giving the floor to Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission for her first State of the European Union address since being re-elected.This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: opening of the session and introductory statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Atmosphere shots inside and outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg, ahead of the State of the Union 2025 debate.

Interior and exterior views of the European Parliament in Strasbourg: atmosphere ahead of the State of the Union - #SOTEU2025

This news item shows atmosphere shots at the European Parliament of Strasbourg, ahead of the State of the European Union 2025 debate with journalists, ambiance shots at the doorstep with Roberta METSOLA, President of European Parliament, bilateral meeting with Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of European Commission

State of the European Union 2025: atmosphere shots

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a doorstep statement ahead of the State of the Union 2025 debate. The SOTEU serves as an essential tool for the Commission's accountability to Parliament, aimed at making the EU-level priorities more transparent while also communicating these priorities to the public. Metsola underscores the importance of listening to EU citizens in order to shape the Union’s agenda, ensuring that the EU’s actions reflect the real needs and expectations of its people. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

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