Ursula von der Leyen to deliver State of the Union address on 16 September 2026 in Strasbourg
The European Commission president will present her vision and main initiatives for the coming year; the speech will be streamed live.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the annual State of the Union (SOTEU) address on 16 September 2026 in Strasbourg, the EU Delegation to Skopje said. The speech is the Commission's yearly opportunity to review achievements, set priorities and outline responses to shared challenges across the Union and beyond.
What to expect
In this year's address von der Leyen will present her vision and the main initiatives for the coming year. She is expected to explain how the Commission will continue its work "to ensure a stronger, safer and more independent Europe."
The State of the Union traditionally reviews the previous year's progress and sets the policy agenda for the Commission and member states. Topics typically range from economic resilience and security to strategic autonomy and digital and green transitions.
The speech will be streamed live via the European Commission's audiovisual service (EBS), the Commission's YouTube channel and the Commission's social media platforms, enabling viewers across the EU and beyond to follow events in real time.
Broadcasting begins on 16 September 2026 from the European Parliament chamber in Strasbourg; exact timings and program details are published by Commission channels ahead of the event.
Photo: press material from the event
