Von der Leyen to deliver State of the Union amid EU power shifts

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to deliver her annual State of the Union address on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, outlining her priorities for the European Union amid internal power consolidation and external challenges. The speech, to be given to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, is expected to cover security, migration, competitiveness, climate, and plans to restrict teenagers' access to social media to protect minors online. The address comes as the Commission has consolidated its power in 2026, with von der Leyen appointing commissioners without parliamentary review and reportedly sidelining High Representative Kaja Kallas. The speech will also address the EU's support for Ukraine, including a 90 billion debt-financed loan, though reports indicate Ukraine has spent its entire 2026 defense budget, creating a significant financial gap. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend as a guest of honour and deliver his own address to MEPs on Thursday, September 17, a visit that comes ahead of an EU-Canada summit and amid escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States.