In the aftermath of Ursula von der Leyen's annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg, four European Commissioners sat down with Euronews to unpack the President's priorities and outline what the European Union can expect in the coming months. The conversations spanned the bloc's economic agenda, trade relations, climate commitments, and defence ambitions.
Economic resilience and competitiveness
Valdis Dombrovskis, the Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, stressed that the EU's immediate focus must be on sustaining growth while navigating global uncertainties. He pointed to the need for deeper capital markets integration and a renewed push on the digital transition, arguing that Europe's competitiveness hinges on its ability to innovate and invest strategically.
Dombrovskis also highlighted the importance of trade agreements in diversifying supply chains. "We cannot afford to be complacent," he said, noting that the EU is actively pursuing partnerships with like-minded countries to reduce dependencies, particularly in critical raw materials and clean technologies.
Climate action and the Green Deal
Wopke Hoekstra, the Commissioner for Climate Action, acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. He reiterated that the EU's climate targets remain non-negotiable, even as member states grapple with energy costs and industrial competitiveness. "The transition is not a luxury; it is a necessity," Hoekstra said, adding that the upcoming heatwave preparedness plan and wildfire response measures are part of a broader strategy to adapt to a warming continent.
Hoekstra also referenced the EU's heatwave plan, which aims to bolster resilience in southern member states like Spain, Greece, and Italy, while ensuring that funding keeps pace with the growing risks.
Trade and strategic autonomy
Maroš Šefčovič, the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, framed the EU's trade policy as a tool for both prosperity and security. He defended the bloc's recent agreements with Mercosur and other partners, while acknowledging the need to protect sensitive sectors. "We are open, but we are not naive," Šefčovič said, referencing the EU's new anti-coercion instrument and its scrutiny of foreign subsidies.
He also touched on the delicate balance with China, noting that the EU must engage where interests align but also guard against unfair practices. The Commissioner's remarks echo the broader debate in Brussels about climate, AI, and China that dominated the State of the Union.
Defence and security
Andrius Kubilius, the Commissioner for Defence and Space, was unequivocal about the need for a stronger European defence posture. He argued that the EU must move from rhetoric to concrete investment in joint procurement and industrial capacity. "The security architecture of Europe is changing, and we must adapt," Kubilius said, referencing the ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader threat landscape.
Kubilius also praised von der Leyen's proposal for a European defence fund, but noted that member states must show political will. He pointed to the security blueprint as a starting point, while acknowledging that many questions remain about financing and implementation.
The Commissioners' reactions come amid mixed reviews of the President's address. Some critics, like former European Council President Charles Michel, have argued that von der Leyen's leadership lacks urgency, while others have focused on the gap between promises and deliverables. Nevertheless, the four commissioners expressed confidence that the EU's institutions can deliver on the outlined priorities.
As the European Parliament prepares to scrutinise the proposals, the coming weeks will reveal whether the Commission can translate its ambitious agenda into tangible action. For now, the message from the commissioners is clear: Europe is ready to move forward on multiple fronts, from greening its economy to securing its place in a volatile world.
