‘We have brought Europe’s inner strength back to the surface. With unity, solidarity and determination’

This is one of the central messages conveyed by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in her State of the European Union address that took place on 14 September in the plenary of the European Parliament.

Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the European Union commitment to supporting Ukraine in every possible way but also mentioned a number of initiatives and targets aimed at supporting all European citizens who are facing difficulties as well as preserving and boosting Europe's competitiveness in these difficult times.

Many of these initiatives fall under the remit of DG GROW:

• the European Critical Raw Materials Act;
• the SME Relief Package, including the Late Payment Directive;
• the Patent licensing Package;
• the legislative proposal on the screening and registration of asbestos in buildings;
• the recognition of professional qualifications of third country nationals.

More information on the State of the European Union, here.