State of the European Union 2025: Europe’s €500m Plan to Attract Top Scientists

Source: European Commission (video statements)

In the State of the European Union 2025 speech, President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €500 million “Choose Europe” package to attract top scientists and announced a new Global Health Resilience Initiative. Europe is stepping up to fight disinformation, protect public health, and lead on global resilience.

#soteu2025

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rzXoR6YdLSY

State of the European Union 2025: Strengthening Media Freedom and Democracy in Europe

Source: European Commission (video statements)

In her State of the European Union speech (SOTEU 2025), President Ursula von der Leyen stresses the growing threats to democracy: disinformation, weakened media, and divided societies. The EU is planning bold steps: a European Democracy Shield, a Centre for Democratic Resilience, and new support for local, independent journalism. Because a free press is the backbone of democracy.

#soteu2025

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/viWzsx2tDN0

State of the European Union 2025: EU–US Trade & Global Partnerships

Source: European Commission (video statements)

In her State of the European Union 2025, President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s €500 billion trade relationship with the United States, supporting millions of European jobs. She stressed that Europe sets its own standards, its own regulations, and always decides for itself.

Beyond the US, the EU was deepening global partnerships — from Mexico to Mercosur — and moving towards a historic trade deal with India. These steps aimed to diversify markets and strengthen Europe’s economic security in uncertain times.

#SOTEU2025

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KR3xVqK5eb8

State of the European Union 2025: Enhanced Version (English subtitles)

Source: European Commission (video statements)

On 10 September 2025, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered 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 the priorities for the Union for the year ahead.

In her speech, President von der Leyen called for unity among European nations and institutions to ensure Europe’s independence, security, and ability to determine its own destiny, especially in light of external threats and challenges such as Russia’s aggression and global economic shifts. Her speech underscored initiatives to support Ukraine, address climate change, food security, enhance technological and economic competitiveness, foster EU-US trade, and manage migration. Furthermore, she focused on protecting democracy and the rule of law within the EU.

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 upcoming year, marking an important moment to shape the EU’s direction and respond to citizens’ expectations.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVqU4F49x_I

State of the European Union 2025: European Union Migration Control

Source: European Commission (video statements)

In her State of the European Union 2025 speech, President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of European Union Migration Control.

Europe must build a migration system that is both humane and realistic. She highlighted the need for a rapid agreement on the Common European Return System, a new sanctions regime against smugglers and traffickers, and the swift implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Her message is clear: protecting those fleeing war and persecution must go hand in hand with securing Europe’s borders, and success will depend on all Member States playing their part.

#SOTEU2025

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8mIBBzawo8c

SOTEU 2025: EU’s Affordable Housing Plan

Source: European Commission (video statements)

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.

#SOTEU2025

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Bmwum7h-gP0