In her State of the European Union speech (SOTEU 2025), President Ursula von Der Leyen addresses the housing crisis and she is putting affordable housing as a clear goal for Europe’s future.
This year, the European Commission will present the first European Affordable Housing Plan that will make homes more affordable, sustainable, and accessible across Europe. From revising state aid rules to supporting student housing and tackling short-term rentals, this plan aims to turn housing into a social right for all.
President von der Leyen emphasizes: the online world offers creativity, learning, and connection but also serious risks. It’s time parents, not algorithms, guide our children online. Australia is pioneering social media restrictions, and the EU is ready to adapt them for Europe.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Commission is proposing a comprehensive package that includes holding bilateral support to Israel without affecting work with civil society, sanctions on extremist ministers and violent settlers, and a partial suspension of the Association Agreement on trade-related matters.
A new Palestine donor group will be set up to coordinate international reconstruction efforts for Gaza, building on momentum from the New York conference organised by France and Saudi Arabia. Europe continues to support a two-state solution with security for Israel, a viable Palestinian Authority, and the removal of Hamas as a terrorist threat.
This plan underscores Europe’s commitment to real security, immediate humanitarian access, and a sustainable path toward peace in the region.
In her State of the European Union speech (SOTEU 2025), President Ursula von der Leyen calls for urgent support for Ukraine.
Sasha was only 11 when Russian forces took him. His story is sadly not unique; every abducted child must be returned, and Russia must be held accountable.
Ukraine’s fight is Europe’s fight. Their freedom is our freedom. We back Ukraine with a Reparations Loan from Russian assets, the Qualitative Military Edge programme, and a Drone Alliance.
On 10 September 2025, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivers the State of the European Union address – known as SOTEU – to the European Parliament.
The SOTEU address is an annual speech by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament, setting her priorities for the Union for the year ahead.
The address is followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament, reinforcing accountability. Each SOTEU speech sets out the President’s vision and major initiatives for the year ahead, marking an important moment to shape the EU’s direction and respond to citizens’ expectations.
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This week, our AV archives bring you a special edition with highlights from the State of the European Union (SOTEU) speeches.
From Barroso (2010) to Juncker (2014) to von der Leyen (2019), revisit key moments that shaped Europe — from economic growth and the NextGenerationEU recovery plan to climate action and global partnerships.
Europe is transforming how it builds, powers, and competes—with a bold new plan called the Clean Industrial Deal. But what does that actually mean for you?
In this short explainer, we break down the EU’s strategy to cut emissions, lower energy bills, create jobs, and lead the world in clean tech.
From circular economy to affordable energy, and from industrial innovation to economic security—this is Europe’s Green Industrial Revolution.
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Europe stands with Ukraine and will contribute to its security. Strong Ukrainian forces are essential for lasting peace in Ukraine, and Europe will continue to train them.
Once a peace agreement is reached, Europe will also participate on the ground to ensure Ukraine’s security.
With the help of SAFE, our €150 billion defence fund, more equipment will be manufactured in Europe, creating jobs and contributing to Ukraine’s peace.
We will stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary. We want peace for Ukraine.
With the summer break ending, children are not the only ones going back to school. The Union of Skills initiative aims to create a high quality and inclusive education for people of all ages. With this initiative, the European Commission is addressing shortage of skills needed for today’s jobs.
Improving education and skills will also ensure that Europe’s social model remains affordable, and that Europe’s economy becomes even more competitive.
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