Learn about the key highlights of the European State of Union address
On 13 September 2023, the President of the European Commission Ursula
von der Leyen outlined past achievements and future ambitions for
Europe in her State of Union address
[https://state-of-the-union.ec.europa.eu/index_en]. This address
marked the final one for the current Commission before the European
elections in 2024 [https://elections.europa.eu/en/], providing Von der
Leyen with an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the past
years in her speech.   

Europe continues to pursue its climate ambitions, with the European
Green Deal
[https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en]
being one of its flagship initiatives. “Food security, in harmony
with nature, remains an essential task”. Von der Leyen mentioned in
her speech that sustainability ambitions should align with European
growth. While our economy is innovative, resilient and well-positioned
to achieve climate neutrality, three significant challenges must be
considered: a widespread shortage of workers, persistently high
prices, and the administrative burden faced by small companies.

Another overarching topic was a stronger and larger Union and Europe's
stance on the Ukraine conflict. Europe will continue to provide
support for Ukraine and contribute to the country's reconstruction.
According to Von der Leyen, “it is clearly in Europe’s strategic
and security interests to complete our Union”, referring to
enlargement and the bloc’s readiness to welcome new members. 

The voice of youth will determine Europe’s future, specifically in
areas such as sustainability, migration and artificial intelligence,
which will become more important. Von der Leyen noted, “When I speak
to the new generation of young people, I see that same vision for a
better future”. 

“Now is the moment to show that we can build a continent where you
can be who you are, love who you want, and aim as high as you want”,
that’s where Europe will continue its efforts.

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Publication Date/Time
2023-09-20T08:00:00+00:00
Achievements and future ambitions on climate, economic growth, a
stronger Union and more