Every year in September, the President of the European Commission deliveres the State of the Union address before the European Parliament, taking stock of achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. 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, delivered her address on 16 September 2020 (09:00 CEST). The speech was followed by a plenary debate with Members of the European Parliament.
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 its unique social market economy to fit today’s new ambitions. This means making the most of all of Europe’s 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.
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