Climate and AI to loom large in von der Leyen’s State of the Union

Ursula von der Leyen’s upcoming State of the Union address is expected to highlight climate action and artificial intelligence as central themes, according to officials familiar with the preparation process. The European Commission president’s speech, scheduled for September 16, is currently under development, with key topics being shaped through discussions among senior officials. These deliberations took place during a closed-door meeting of the heads of cabinets of the 27 commissioners, held in Jodoigne, Wallonia, following the summer recess. The meeting, attended by representatives from all member states, focused on the content of the speech, with Bjoern Seibert, the head of the Commission’s cabinet, playing a central role in shaping the agenda. Officials involved in the planning described how the emphasis on climate change stems from recent environmental disasters, including severe flooding and wildfires across the continent. These events have intensified calls for more aggressive climate policies, particularly as the Commission seeks to uphold its ambitious 2040 emissions reduction target amid growing concerns about the economic implications of the green transition. In addition to climate, artificial intelligence is anticipated to play a prominent role in the address. Seibert instructed the Commission’s Directorate-General for Connectivity (DG Connect) to compile updated data on the potential job losses and gains associated with AI integration into various sectors. This information will help frame the discussion around the technology’s societal impact, balancing innovation with labor market considerations. Migration is also expected to be addressed, with a specific mention of the ongoing crisis in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta. The Commission is reportedly considering reforms to the mandate and operational structure of Frontex, the EU’s border agency, as part of broader efforts to manage cross-border mobility more effectively. Other potential topics include social policy, especially in light of the 10th anniversary of the European Pillar of Social Rights, as well as developments related to Ukraine and the expansion of EU membership. However, these areas remain subject to finalization, and the exact balance of themes is still being determined. The process of selecting which issues to emphasize reflects the high stakes of the State of the Union speech, which serves as a critical platform for shaping the Commission’s legislative agenda. Commissioners have already submitted detailed proposals to Seibert, and the policy units within the Commission, known as directorates-general, have also contributed their recommendations. Each department seeks to secure a mention in the speech, as even a brief reference can elevate a policy issue on the political agenda. This dynamic underscores the competitive nature of the EU’s policymaking environment, where visibility in the Commission president’s annual address carries significant weight. With limited space available in the speech, not all proposed topics will be included, prompting strategic lobbying among officials. A further opportunity for commissioners to influence the speech’s content is expected during the traditional College seminar in Tervuren, Belgium, later this week. This event marks the beginning of the new political cycle and offers another chance for officials to align their priorities with von der Leyen’s vision. As preparations continue, the Commission has not yet issued a formal response to inquiries regarding the speech’s content. The final version of the address will likely reflect a careful negotiation of competing interests, balancing environmental goals, technological advancement, and social cohesion.