Ursula von der Leyen to deliver State of the Union address in Strasbourg
The annual address will touch on enlargement, the Growth Plan and policies — key passages for North Macedonia concern funding, CBAM and energy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her annual State of the Union address today before the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Key themes and what to watch for North Macedonia
The speech is expected to focus on enlargement, Ukraine, security, trade, energy and digital policy. Observers from the Western Balkans will be paying particular attention to any concrete references to the region and practical measures aimed at advancing integration.
One of the central items on von der Leyen’s agenda will be the European integration of the Western Balkans and the practical support foreseen through the Growth Plan. For North Macedonia, the first point to monitor will be statements on enlargement of the Union.
The second issue for Skopje is funding under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: North Macedonia has an indicative financial framework of €750.4 million, with disbursements conditional on the implementation of agreed reforms.
Trade policy will also matter for Macedonian companies, notably the CBAM (carbon border adjustment mechanism). The mechanism will affect imports of certain high‑carbon products starting in 2026, and new EU initiatives may gradually change obligations for companies, institutions and regulators in candidate countries.
Energy security and artificial intelligence are additional priorities for a candidate like North Macedonia. Policymakers should remember the difference between a political announcement, a legislative proposal and a measure that has already been adopted — a distinction that is especially relevant for steps in the accession process.
Photo: press material from the event
