Main announcements in the State of the Union Speech

On 13 September, the European Commission President gave her State of the Union speech, where she largely focused on European competitiveness.

Below you will find a summary of the main announcements made during her address:

On Competitiveness

Creation of an SME Envoy
Legislative proposals to reduce reporting obligations at the European level by 25%, expected by the end of 2023.

On Digital

On Strategic autonomy

The President called for a prompt conclusion of the Net-Zero Industry Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act. In addition, she:

Announced the first meeting of the Raw materials Club, group of like-minded countries willing to strengthen global supply chain, by the end of 2023.
Called for concluding negotiations with Australia, Mercosur and Mexico before the end of 2023.
Mentioned that discussions with India and Indonesia should also start.

Green Deal

European Wind Power package to be presented soon.
A series of Clean Transition Dialogues with industry starting in September 2023. The aim will be to support the relevant sectors in their development and decarbonisation.
Budget allocated to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), to support the green industry.
Launch of a “strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU”.

Social Affairs

Foreign Affairs

Finally talking about the need to “Complete our Union”, she encouraged the Enlargement and supported Bulgaria and Romania to enter the Schengen zone.