Von der Leyen calls for a stronger and more independent Europe.

On 16 September, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her second State of the Union Address of this legislative term before the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, technological change and intensifying global competition, she called for a more capable, resilient and strategically independent Europe.

Von der Leyen addressed a range of issues, including strengthening competitiveness, energy supply, artificial intelligence (AI), security and defence, migration, the protection of democracy, support for Ukraine and EU enlargement. Social and health policy also featured in her speech.

With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attending as a guest of honour, von der Leyen also sent a foreign policy signal. Canada is set to become the first country to receive a new status as an associated member of the EU. Closer cooperation is envisaged in areas including economic security, technology and defence.

Social policy as part of the major transformation processes

Social and health policy were not at the centre of the speech. However, they played a role in several central issues involved in shaping Europe's future. These include the use of AI, the effects of climate change on health and work, as well as the impact of demographic change on care and support. 

AI should support doctors – not replace them

Von der Leyen sees significant potential for the use of AI, particularly in healthcare, for example in diagnostics and the use of data. At the same time, she emphasised that medical decision-making and human contact must not be replaced by AI.

In November, the Commission intends to present new initiatives for five areas where it sees particularly strong potential for the use of AI. In addition to healthcare, these include transport, agriculture and food, industrial manufacturing, as well as defence and space.

The Commission President also addressed the impact of AI on the world of work. In her assessment, workers and regions will benefit from the new technology to different degrees. Education and employment policies therefore need to keep pace with technological developments. The Quality Jobs Act, announced for the end of the year, is intended to address, among other things, skills development and job quality.

EU plans better protection against extreme heat

Following the severe heatwaves of last summer, von der Leyen announced a European Heatwave Plan. According to the Commission President, more than 35,000 additional deaths occurred in the EU during this period; care facilities and hospitals were also affected by dangerously high temperatures.

The foreseen Heatwave Plan is therefore intended to improve early warning systems and health preparedness, prepare cities for high and low temperatures and protect particularly vulnerable people. Possible measures to protect workers from extreme heat are also being examined and could be addressed in the Quality Jobs Act.

European Care Deal for care and long-term care announced.

With the tenth anniversary of the European Pillar of Social Rights approaching in 2027, von der Leyen announced further social policy initiatives. These include a European Care Deal, planned for next year, which will address the challenges that demographic change poses for care and support services.

Von der Leyen also announced that she will host a summit on the European Pillar of Social Rights together with European Council President António Costa.

EU Kids Act aims to strengthen protection of minors online

Another key focus of von der Leyen’s speech was the protection of children and young people on social media. One day after her speech, on 17 September, the Commission published the EU KIDS Act.

The proposal provides for different rules depending on age. Children under 13 would not be allowed to use social media. For 13- to 15-year-olds, only “mini-accounts” set up and controlled by parents, with limited functionalities, would be permitted. For 15- to 18-year-olds, platforms would be required to provide a safe-by-design-environment.

In addition, the Commission is planning a Digital Fairness Act, which is intended to strengthen consumer protection in the digital environment.

Fewer additional national requirements when implementing EU-law

Reducing bureaucracy also remains a priority. Von der Leyen announced a pact against “gold-plating”. The aim is to prevent Member States from introducing additional national requirements when implementing EU legislation that go beyond the requirements laid down at European level. Such practices are to be more strongly limited in the future.