What is the State of the European Union debate?
Every September, the President of the European Commission comes to the European Parliament to discuss with MEPs what the Commission has done over the past year, what it intends to do in the coming year and its vision for the future in the State of the European Union debate.
During the debate, MEPs, as the elected representatives of EU citizens, hold the Commission to account and scrutinise its work to make sure that Europeans' key concerns are being addressed.
The State of the EU debate influences the Commission’s work programme for the coming year.
Why is the 2023 State of the EU debate important?
This year’s address by President Ursula von der Leyen is the last before the European elections in June 2024.
Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global landscape, the State of the EU debate is a crucial occasion to assess the progress made on the priorities outlined by von der Leyen in 2022, which continue to be a challenge. They include the EU’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, climate change mitigation, measures to address the rising cost of living, grappling with the energy crisis, and upholding the rule of law.
How to follow the State of the EU debate
The debate will be streamed live on our website on Wednesday 13 September from 9.00 CET. Interpretation will be available in all of the EU’s 24 official languages - simply select the language of your choice. Interpretation into International Sign Language will also be provided.
You can also watch live on Facebook or YouTube and join the discussion there or on our other social media channels, including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Instagram.
If you want to join the discussion online, don’t forget to use the hashtag #SOTEU.
Ref.: 20230831STO04504
www.europarl.europa.eu
