Von der Leyen outlines EU initiatives
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her 2026 State of the European Union speech, outlining several key initiatives, including a social media ban for under-13s and a proposal to bring Canada closer to the EU. She noted that the state of the Union is the strongest it has ever been, but also feels precarious due to various challenges.
Von der Leyen cited trade deals with over 80 countries and expressed her desire to open the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU. She highlighted the cultural, historical, and personal links between the EU and Canada, suggesting areas of possible cooperation, such as intelligent manufacturing and climate action.
The Commission president also announced plans for a new European Security Council, which would bring together partners, including Canada, Norway, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, to respond to threats. She emphasized the need for a counter-hybrid playbook to deter escalation and mitigate the impact of hybrid attacks.
Key Proposals
Von der Leyen proposed a ban on social media for youth under 13, dubbed the EU Kids Act, which would also introduce limited-access accounts for teenagers between 13 and 15 years old. She stated that the EU would reverse the burden of proof, putting safety on the shoulders of tech companies rather than parents or youth.
The Commission chief addressed migration in Europe, citing a 55% reduction in illegal arrivals over the past two years and a further 35% drop this year. She proposed a new European Emergency Response Framework, which would allow for time-limited flexibility in standard procedures under strictly defined criteria.
Von der Leyen also discussed AI safety, stating that the EU could play a role in the global AI race by excelling in industrial AI applications. She emphasized the importance of AI empowering doctors rather than replacing them and called for AI with human agency.
In terms of trade, Von der Leyen noted that the EU has a trade deficit of €1 billion a day with China and warned of the “second China shock.” She announced plans to establish a new European Corporation on Critical Raw Materials to secure and stockpile materials needed for the EU’s green and digital transitions.
The Commission president acknowledged the “deep violence” in Gaza and stated that the EU would support reconstruction through the Palestinian Donor Group. She called for stronger enforcement of existing sanctions on Russia and the closure of loopholes that allow Moscow to circumvent them.
Climate Action
Von der Leyen spoke of the “summer of truth” and the devastating effects of climate change, emphasizing that the EU will stay its course on climate targets. She announced a new framework for climate resilience, including a Climate Insurance Alliance to help cash-strapped governments respond to climate damages.
The Commission chief also proposed a European Heatwave Plan and a European Water initiative, entrusting a group of senior firefighters and emergency responders to develop proposals for better preparing for deadly fire seasons. A future European Firefighting Fleet is also being considered.
At the end of her speech, Von der Leyen previewed a 2027 initiative, a new Congress of Europe, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. She expressed her desire for leaders and thinkers to come together to “recapture the European imagination” and map out a new course for the EU.
According to the report, the EU will move forward with these proposals, with 12 simplification omnibuses aimed at reducing the administrative burden by €17 billion per year. The Commission president emphasized the need for member states to contribute by ending the practice of gold-plating, extending additional regulations on top of EU laws.
EU Legislative Priorities
Von der Leyen emphasized the need for the EU to move forward with its legislative priorities, including the proposed EU Kids Act and the Digital Fairness Act. She also highlighted the importance of completing the overhaul of the Single Market by the end of next year.
