- MEPs debate state of the EU: economy, security, climate, AI, social media
MEPs and EU leaders assessed the bloc’s progress and challenges, with von der Leyen outlining priorities on AI, climate, security, and children’s online safety, while political groups debated economic and geopolitical strategies.
The annual State of the European Union debate opened with Parliament President Roberta Metsola urging bold action to address security, competitiveness, and climate, emphasizing Europe’s need to stand united and protect its values. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted economic revival as the top priority, pledging to complete the One Europe, One Market Roadmap by the end of next year to overhaul the single market. She underscored the urgency of tackling climate change and artificial intelligence, announcing new frameworks including a climate resilience plan, a climate insurance alliance, and a European heatwave plan.
Von der Leyen also proposed strengthening Europe’s computing capacity and investing in start-ups across key sectors like health, transport, and defence, while calling for a reimagined global partnership framework. On security, she announced plans for an emergency protocol and a European security council to coordinate responses to hybrid threats. Addressing Ukraine, she reaffirmed the EU’s support and commitment to tightening sanctions on Russia, while emphasizing Europe’s resolve to defend its borders without compromising fundamental rights.
On social media, von der Leyen unveiled the EU Kids Act, proposing a ban on social media use under age 13 and restricted accounts for those aged 13 to 15, supervised by parents. Platforms would be required to implement safe design for users aged 15 to 18, with time limits and limited features for younger teens. The proposal aims to prioritize children’s safety online while asserting Europe’s regulatory autonomy over big tech.
Political groups offered divergent responses: Manfred Weber (EPP) stressed pragmatic policies on AI and defence, Iratxe García (S&D) demanded bold climate action and women’s rights guarantees, Jordan Bardella (PfE) criticized EU bureaucracy and called for stronger border protection, and Valerie Hayer (Renew) advocated for European leadership in AI and climate resilience.