European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union (SOTEU) comes at a moment of profound geopolitical, economic and democratic pressure. It will inevitably contain new initiatives. But the President should also acknowledge an uncomfortable reality: Europe is not short of strategies. From competitiveness and defence to economic security, enlargement and democracy, the diagnosis is increasingly clear. Yet the gap between the scale, scope, depth and speed of action required and what Europe actually delivers continues to widen.
Her speech should therefore put mission-focused policymaking at the heart of this Commission’s remaining mandate. Set a limited number of strategic objectives, then work backwards: what instruments, resources and coalitions can deliver them? Involve businesses and other stakeholders in implementation, encourage experimentation, and scale up what works rather than assuming Brussels already knows the right instrument.
Delivery also requires global leverage. Like-mindedness must become real. Von der Leyen should propose Integrated Partnerships with countries such as Canada, the UK, Norway, Japan, South Korea and Australia, combining trade and the economy with economic security, defence, technology and foreign policy. An Economic Security Alliance could enable willing partners to share risks and respond collectively to coercion.
The same principle must apply within Europe. When unanimity blocks action, willing countries must be able to move ahead, including outside the treaties where necessary.
This year’s SOTEU should thus be less about announcing what Europe wants to achieve, and more about demonstrating how Europe it will make it happen.
Fabian Zuleeg Chief Executive and Chief Economist
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