Von der Leyen – walking the walk at last?

FEPS reaction to The State of the European Union 2025

By FEPS Secretary General László Andor with inputs from FEPS Policy Analysts

🔸Ursula von der Leyen introduced her SOTEU speech by highlighting European independence. Europeans have been rightly concerned about the humiliation suffered in the context of the EU-US trade negotiations. As compared to the importance of this, von der Leyen only touch upon some details of the trade debacle towards the end of her speech and did not deliver a convincing strategy about reducing dependency in the foreseeable future. 

🔸Solidarity with Ukraine was something von der Leyen preferred to talk about in the first half hour of the speech on the state of the European Union. This is still a unifying subject, since Europeans sacrificed so much to defend Ukraine, while the end of the war is still not in sight. It is encouraging nevertheless that the Commission is already preparing for the reconstruction and worked out a viable financial plan too. Von der Leyen’s preoccupation with missing children in Ukraine – something she also voiced during the televised discussion with Donald Trump in the White House – deserves attention, not least because it will require not only organising a conference on EU territory but also a diplomatic engagement with the Russian Federation. 

🔸In a striking contrast with Ukraine, von der Leyen for nearly two years turned her head away from the genocidal destruction committed by the Israeli army in Gaza. This speech represents a marked shift in her position. But this is too little and too late. The silence of the EU in critical times will not be forgotten, and the actions from now onwards need to be consistent and forceful to really drive the process towards the desired two-state solution. 

🔸Similarly to Gaza, the chapter on Social Europe was included in the speech to gain support among those critical about von der Leyen’s inaction in the last year. Yes, the commitment to eradicate poverty by 2050 is welcome. The upcoming strategy must be comprehensive, supported by ambitious financial means, and rooted in respect and inclusion. And there are high expectations for the Quality Jobs Act too. We also welcome the list of concrete ideas to tackle the housing crisis (including the revision of state aid rules and the foreseen legal initiative on short-term rentals). These are key elements to ensure that the right to affordable and sustainable housing is enforced and lived by all.

🔸Supported by EP President Roberta Metsola, von der Leyen packaged the speech in right-wing economic ideology. They want to be proud of an EU that can cut red tape. However, the bogus omnibus process would need to be reconsidered to ensure that EU actions support real growth and prosperity. The beginnings of a genuine EU industrial policy were hinted at the SOTEU speech, but we need more guarantees that all this leads to a full implementation of the Draghi and Letta Reports. On the other hand, while von der Leyen promises simplification, she also comes forward with ideas for new bureaucratic procedures, like the European Defence Semester, which might not be the best way forward. 

🔸 Von der Leyen evaded the question of EU fiscal capacity, which is understandable after the mixed reactions to the presentation of her half-baked MFF proposal in July. But this is also a question of providing sufficient investment capacity to underpin the EU’s climate and digital ambitions. On one hand, the Commission states its intention to stay the course on the European Green deal. On the other hand, it proposes to roll back on key environmental regulations through the omnibus proposals. On one hand, the Commission’s President calls for supporting fact-based media for better informed citizens. On the other, she plans for an unlimited and uncritical development of AI. Von der Leyen too often appears as a split personality. 

🔸Von der Leyen knows that the EU stands for democracy and the rule of law. Yet, her appeal to a “pro-democratic majority” rings hollow, given the EPP’s cooperation with the far right in the European Parliament on a variety of issues. The Commission president says that she will listen to everyone. At the same time, she highlights her consultations with industries, while an engagement with civil society defending European citizens’ rights and health is nowhere to be found. With such contradictions, it is hard to expect enthusiasm for the SOTEU speech delivered today.

Photo credits: European Union, 2025