Security, Resilience and Opportunity
Strasbourg, 16 September 2026: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament for the 2026 State of the Union, setting out priorities for a Europe seeking greater security, economic resilience and strategic capacity. The annual address is intended to take stock of the Union’s progress and establish priorities for the year ahead. Représentation au Luxembourg+1
The positive message for European citizens is increasingly practical: stronger European cooperation on energy security, clean electricity, industrial competitiveness, innovation and digital capacity, alongside efforts to protect consumers and businesses from external shocks. Recent EU measures include work to expand electricity and smart-grid infrastructure and initiatives aimed at reducing energy costs and dependence on imported fossil fuels. Energy+1
On the international front, the wider European agenda continues to emphasise peace, defence cooperation, support for Ukraine, partnerships with democratic countries and a stronger European role in global affairs. The presence and engagement of international partners around the Strasbourg address underlined that Europe’s security and prosperity remain closely connected to cooperation beyond its borders. Audiovisual Service+1
For the people of Europe, the emerging direction is clear: greater resilience at home, stronger cooperation abroad, investment in technology and industry, secure and cleaner energy, and continued protection of democratic institutions—turning today’s geopolitical pressures into an opportunity to build a more capable and prosperous European Union. Audiovisual Service+1
