State of the Union 2023

Shaping the world for decades to come

History is on the move. The events we have lived through, in these four years, will shape the world for decades to come.

This turning point in global history has also been a turning point for Europe. And Europe has responded.

A geopolitical Union has arisen - with our response to the war against Ukraine and to great power competition. Meanwhile we have delivered on more than 90% of the 2019 Political Guidelines.

This work will continue over the coming year. It will be complemented by a number of new initiatives that reflect our existing commitments or respond to emerging challenges - such as the 2040 climate target or tackling organised crime, like human smuggling or drugs trafficking.

"Let us show that Europe can manage migration effectively and with compassion."

A competitive, fair and sustainable Single Market

We will continue our work to ensure a fair transition for people, industry and farmers. This will be done through a series of Clean Transition Dialogues with industry and a strategic dialogue with the farming community to ensure that the implementation of the transition is done in a fair, smart, and inclusive way.

"From wind to steel, from batteries to electric vehicles, our ambition is crystal clear: The future of our clean tech industry has to be made in Europe."

We will work to further reduce administrative burdens and boost our industrial competitiveness and the strength of the Single Market. Mario Draghi will prepare a report on the future of European competitiveness, looking at the challenges facing industry and companies in our Single Market.

"Because Europe will do “whatever it takes” to keep its competitive edge."

Pushing for progress together

We will keep working to make our own institutions more representative of the people we serve.

Today women hold more than 47% of the Commission's senior management positions. We are squarely within what is recognised as a gender balanced situation.

"There is not a single argument why – for the same type of work – a woman should be paid less than a man."

Standing together with Ukraine

As we head towards the second full year of war, Europe will remain steadfast and unflinching in its support for Ukraine. We will do so for as long as it takes.

We proposed the extension of our temporary protection for people fleeing Russian aggression against Ukraine. This means that our Ukrainian friends will continue to enjoy access to our labour market, our schools and our health system.

We will also keep working to bring Ukraine's economy closer to us as it continues along its path to its rightful place in our Union.

At the same time, we are further tightening and extending the sanctions, and aiming to increase our military assistance through the European Peace Facility, as well as training Ukrainian soldiers.

"This will help build Ukraine's future to rebuild a modern and prosperous country. And that future is clear to see. This House has said it out loud: The future of Ukraine is in our Union."

Completing our Union

The task that we are called to is nothing less than historic.

While candidate countries prepare for accession, our Union must also get ready. This next enlargement must be a catalyst for progress, just as all previous enlargements were prepared by and coupled with deep institutional reforms.

The Commission will put forward its ideas in this regard.

"The future of the Western Balkans is in our Union. The future of Moldova is in our Union. And I know just how important the EU perspective is for so many people in Georgia."

United in freedom and peace

Europe is a story of generations. As a new generation of Europeans heads to the polls, we must deliver on their aspirations and address their anxieties.

We must chart the way ahead and prepare the next generation of the European project.

"It is the moment to show them that we can build a continent where you can be who you are, love who you want, and aim as high as you want."

This is our common task at hand. You can count on the Commission to work with you every step of the way.