SOTEU 2026

State of the Union 2026: Europe’s priorities debated in Parliament

Competitiveness, security, climate resilience, artificial intelligence and children’s online safety were among the main issues debated during the 2026 State of the Union address.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered the annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 16 September. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was guest of honour and also addressed Parliament the following day.

The State of the Union is a key moment in Parliament’s calendar. It reviews progress over the previous year and presents the Commission’s priorities for the year ahead. Members of the European Parliament then scrutinise and debate the proposed direction of EU policy.

Opening the debate, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola called on Europe to respond more effectively to citizens’ expectations and turn ambition into tangible results.

She highlighted security, competitiveness, affordable housing, quality employment, climate action and the management of Europe’s borders as areas in which citizens expect the EU to deliver. President Metsola also stressed the importance of defending Europe’s fundamental values, including freedom, the rule of law and media freedom.

Competitiveness and security

Strengthening Europe’s economy and competitiveness was central to President von der Leyen’s address.

Completing the Single Market, simplifying rules, improving access to capital and creating quality employment all featured in the debate. Attention also turned to the next long-term EU budget and how the Union should finance its priorities in the years ahead.

Security and Europe’s ability to act in a changing geopolitical environment were equally prominent. The Commission President addressed continued support for Ukraine, European defence and security, the management of the EU’s external borders and Europe’s international partnerships.

Climate resilience and artificial intelligence

Climate resilience was another major theme, with proposed action on extreme heat, water management and preparedness. These issues are particularly relevant to southern European and Mediterranean countries, including Malta.

Artificial intelligence also featured prominently. The debate focused on strengthening Europe’s technological and computing capacity and supporting the development and use of AI in areas such as healthcare, transport, manufacturing, agri-food, defence and space.

Children’s safety online also received considerable attention. Plans for an EU Kids Act, including stronger age-based protections for access to social media, prompted discussion among Malta’s MEPs.

Reactions from Malta’s MEPs

Malta’s Members of the European Parliament highlighted different elements of the address, reflecting both shared concerns and different political priorities.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that the address had covered the principal concerns facing Europeans. She stressed that citizens expect Europe to protect and support them while delivering concrete results on security, competitiveness, housing, employment, climate and borders.

MEP Alex Agius Saliba (S&D) argued that the address did not sufficiently address social policy and workers’ rights. While welcoming stronger protections for children online, he called for broader action on the practices of large technology platforms, including addictive design, AI-driven content and dynamic pricing.

MEP David Casa (EPP) emphasised the social dimension of European competitiveness. He argued that Europe’s economic ambitions should improve citizens’ living conditions, highlighting housing, care, employment and skills, as well as the need for adequate investment under the next EU budget. He also referred to President von der Leyen’s remarks on the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the continuing need for justice.

MEP Daniel Attard (S&D) welcomed measures to protect children on social media but said that further action was needed, including against fake online profiles. He also addressed migration, European security and foreign policy, stressing that developments in European defence should respect Malta’s constitutional position and neutrality.

MEP Peter Agius (EPP) focused on the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System on maritime and air transport, as well as negotiations on the next seven-year EU budget. He argued that Malta’s insularity should be considered when applying measures that affect transport connectivity. He also called for future EU revenue measures not to place a disproportionate burden on sectors of particular importance to Malta’s economy.

MEP Thomas Bajada (S&D) focused on climate change and water resilience. During the parliamentary debate, he called for more tangible action to address extreme heat and water scarcity and urged the Commission to build on Parliament’s work in this area.

What does the debate mean for Malta?

The reactions of Malta’s MEPs demonstrate how broad European priorities translate into specific national concerns.

Transport connectivity, water resilience, social investment, migration, digital regulation and the next EU budget all have particular implications for Malta.

The State of the Union debate also demonstrates the European Parliament’s scrutiny role. By debating the Commission President’s programme directly, MEPs can support, challenge or seek changes to the Commission’s priorities before many of them develop into legislative proposals.

This year’s debate presented an EU agenda shaped by competitiveness, security and geopolitical uncertainty, alongside issues that increasingly affect citizens’ daily lives - from housing and employment to climate change and the digital environment.