14/09/23

State of the Union Address 2023: Europe's Moment to Answer the Call of History

On 13 September the European Commission President von der Leyen outlined in her 2023 State of the Union address the main priorities and flagship initiatives for the year to come, building on the European Union’s successes and achievements of the past years. This was her last address in this legislative mandate, ahead of the 2024 European elections.

“It is the moment to show to the young generation that we can build a continent where you can be who you are, love who you want, and aim as high as you want. A continent reconciled with nature and leading the way on new technologies. A continent that is united in freedom and peace. This is Europe’s moment to once again answer the call of history.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

In her speech, von der Leyen expressed that in the next 300 days, the House must finish the job that they have been entrusted with.

“When I stood in front of you in 2019 with my programme for a green, digital, and geopolitical Europe, I know that some had doubts. And that was before the world turned upside down with a global pandemic and a brutal war on European soil. But look at where Europe is today.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

During von der Leyen’s presidency, we have witnessed the birth of a geopolitical Union – supporting Ukraine, standing up to Russia’s aggression, responding to an assertive China, and investing in partnerships. A European Green Deal has been at the centerpiece of our economy and unmatched in ambition. The path for the digital transition has been set, and the EU has become a global pioneers in online rights. The NextGenerationEU – combining 800 billion euros of investment and reform – has been creating decent jobs for today and tomorrow.

To continue the positive trend of development in Europe, von der Leyen highlighted the areas and initiatives that we need to keep developing. Among them are areas that are closely related to the design sector, such as:

• EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL – to keep supporting European industry throughout this transition.
• ECONOMY, SOCIAL AND COMPETITIVENESS – facing labour and skills shortages.
• DIGITAL & AI – managing the risks of the digital world and guiding innovation in a responsible way.

Conclusion

Europe is at the point where we have to write a new story for us. The future of our continent depends on the choices we make today. Von der Leyen states that the people of Europe want a Union that stands up for them in a time of great power competition. But also one that protects and stands close to them, as a partner and ally in their daily battles. She envisions Europe as: “A continent reconciled with nature and leading the way on new technologies. A continent that is united in freedom and peace.”

More Information: state-of-the-union.ec.europa.eu/index_en