State of the European Union 2020, 16 September, from 5 PM (AEST)

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.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will deliver her address on 16 September 2020. The speech will be followed by a plenary debate with members of the European Parliament.   

Commission’s headline ambitions

The priorities that were set at the beginning of the mandate remain valid in addressing today’s challenges. The Commission remains fully determined to deliver 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 must lead 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 all 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 at home in order to lead in the world.