On 16 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the State of the Union 2026 address to the European Parliament.
The annual State of the Union (SOTEU) address is an important moment to hear about the European Union’s priorities and plans for the year ahead. The President reflects on recent developments, presents upcoming priorities and outlines new initiatives responding to the needs of Europeans.
For ELARD and rural communities across Europe, it is also an opportunity to follow what lies ahead for Europe and what the EU’s priorities could mean for rural areas and their development.
The State of the Union 2026 address starts on 16 September at 09:00 CEST and will be livestreamed online. After the speech, it will also be available to watch again and read in all EU languages.
Save the date and follow the State of the Union 2026.