EC President von der Leyen outlines EC's priorities in State of the Union speech

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her annual State-of-the-Union speech at the European Parliament plenary in Brussels on 16 September 2026. Her speech, which was well over one hour long, did not mention research explicity, but included references to competitiveness, technology and innovation in several contexts.

Ms von der Leyen stated that "Europe is the home of innovation" and also referred to the Scale-up Europe Fund which had already yielded first investments. She quoted technology start-up ICEYE from Poland / Finland as an example, which had received Horizon Europe funds before.

According to the Commission President, the economy needs to be the EU's top priority ("kick-starting Europe's economy is our number one priority"), referring to the Draghi and Letta reports and calling for more speed and more simplification (with a "Pact against gold-plating") in order to complete the Single Market. The President also referred to the 'One Europe, One Market' roadmap which the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament had agreed on in spring this year.

Other topics addressed in the State-of-the-Union speech were, amongst others:

• energy: affordable, clean, home-grown energy will need to be strengthened in order to reduce dependence on imports;
• rebalancing trade with China;
• establishing a European Corporation on Critical Raw Materials;
• Next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFR): will need new own resources, and "Respecting the rule of law and fundamental rights is a must for EU funds. With the next long-term budget we must go even further."
• Climate change: was referred to as one of two major "tipping points". After what the President called the "summer of truth“, she underlined the importance of staying course on Europe's climate targets and improving Europe's preparedness. The Commission will present a new Framework for Climate Resilience next month. The President also announced a new Climate Insurance Alliance, a European Heatwave Plan, and a new European Water Initiative, and assured farmers of the EU's full support.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): was referred to as the second "tipping point": "AI has the potential to benefit humanity – if we get it right", but its risks also need to be addressed. Ms von der Leyen mentioned, amongst others, the AI Gigafactories and called for "moving AI from the screen to the real economy and society", for instance in the field of health ("AI needs to empower our doctors. Not to replace them").
• Pillar of Social Rights: The President spoke of challenges to fundamental values being challenged and of attempts to "backslide on women's rights", but asserted that "Women are here to stay – we will defend our rights!“ Together with António Costa, the Commission President will host a summit to uphold the enduring principles of our Social Pillar.
• Global Gateway: Ms von der Leyen also announced a Regional Connectivity Summit to be held together with Bulgaria.
• Canada: apart from economic aspects, the President highlighted the shared belief in democracy and shared values, and announced moving on from CETA to an Alliance for the Future with Canada, whose Prime Minister Mark Carney was present at the event. Ms. von der Leyen said they wanted to bring the relationship with Canada to "the highest level possible", and she would work with the Prime Minister "on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU".
• Peace and security: In the light of ongoing threats, the President announced a new European Security Strategy, a European Security Council (for coordination between the EU, the UK, Canada, Ukraine, Norway and others), and a new instrument for Strategic Enablers, fully aligned with NATO.
• Ukraine: Amongst other issues, the EU will develop an affordable, modular missile-defence system and further increase pressure on Russia.

Other issues addressed in the speech included Gaza/Israel, migration (with the announcement of a European Emergency Response Framework), the government change in Hungary, social media (with a Kids Act limiting social media access for children and a Digital Fairness Act), trade agreements and EU enlargement (with reference to progress made in Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans).

At the end of her speech, Commission President von der Leyen announced a new Congress of Europe, to be launched on the occasion of the 70-year anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, and inspired by the Congress of Europe in 1948 in The Hague, in order to develop a new vision of Europe for the next generation of Europeans.

For more information:

State of the Union: Quotes and initiatives

2026 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen (full text version, check against delivery)