Yesterday, 10 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, delivered her fifth State of the Union speech to the European Parliament.

But what exactly is the State of the Union? This yearly speech is more than a political ritual. It’s a moment to reflect on where Europe stands, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the Commission’s priorities for the year to come.

This year, the President focused on foreign policy, particularly Ukraine and Gaza, on competitiveness, migration, on the fight against poverty, and the defence of democracy.

Focus points

1. Foreign Policy

The President reaffirmed strong EU support for Ukraine, condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and outlined new measures ranging from sanctions to international cooperation.

2. Competitiveness

Competitiveness was described as the EU’s top priority. Von der Leyen announced the creation of a “Made in Europe” label in public procurement and new investments in green and digital transitions.

A forthcoming Single Market Roadmap for 2028 will aim to modernise the EU’s internal market, while the Quality Jobs Act aims to promote better employment standards. This focus on competitiveness will influence how the EU invests in skills, jobs, and services, and raises the question of how social rights and inclusion will be safeguarded in this economic push.

3. Poverty and housing

For the social sector, the key takeaway is the Commission’s commitment to fight poverty, with the Anti-Poverty strategy expected for next year and the goal to eradicate poverty by 2050.

Von der Leyen recalled that housing is a social right, announcing an Affordable Housing Plan and a revision of State aid rules, as well as the first European Housing Summit. The Commission also pledged to strengthen the Child Guarantee and introduce measures to tackle the rising cost of living.

4. Freedom, democracy and the rule of law

The EU Commission President announced actions to strengthen democratic resilience, safeguarding media independence, and protecting children in the digital space.

5. Migration

Von der Leyen underlined the need to secure Europe’s external borders, accelerate asylum procedures through a common EU system, and strengthen return mechanisms, including, potentially, new hubs in third countries.

However, the speech left some notable gaps. Issues such as social rights, care, and support for vulnerable groups, were largely missing.

At EASPD, we stress the need for the EU to foster social rights and to integrate social services and disability inclusion into its economic and competitiveness agenda, which is in line with the EU core values and its social market economy model.