On 16 September 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the European Union (SOTEU) speech, before the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This landmark speech reflected on the past year’s achievements and outlined future EU political priorities, covering key areas such as democracy, security, migration, energy, climate resilience, and competitiveness.
On migration and security, President von der Leyen emphasised that “all of our external borders are European borders”, calling for a united EU response to migration and border management.
Referring to recent pressures at the EU’s eastern borders, in the Mediterranean and in particular Ceuta, she noted that vulnerable people are being exploited by smugglers, traffickers and hostile actors. However, “we are on the right path”, as illegal border crossings at the EU’s external borders fell by around 55% in 2024 and 2025, with the downward trend continuing in 2026.
President von der Leyen highlighted the need to fully implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the common European framework for responsibility and solidarity. She also announced plans for a new European Emergency Response Framework to help the EU react to exceptional situations where mass movements of people at EU external borders are engineered and weaponised.
She confirmed Commission plans to strengthen Frontex and speed up returns, improve early warning systems, work more closely with partner countries, and announced the launch of a new Mediterranean Youth Skills and Jobs initiative.
As she explained, “this is how we can reduce illegal migration. Uphold the rights of individuals seeking protection. Facilitate safe, legal migration with new Gateway Offices in partner countries. And defend the freedoms of our Schengen area. But, above all, this is how we prove that Europe can act together”.
President von der Leyen also addressed the need for Europe to be better prepared in the face of rising threat levels and announced a new European security strategy to be presented with the High Representative/Vice‑President for Foreign Affairs.
On hybrid threats facing Europe, including recent incidents in Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Germany, President von der Leyen referred to the need for an EU playbook and an Emergency Security Protocol. These measures will help “to coordinate a European response. To deter further escalation. And to mitigate the impact”.
President von der Leyen also recalled that “our task remains to support Ukraine” in its ongoing resistance against Russia’s war of aggression. She announced stronger support for humanitarian aid, energy and heating supplies ahead of the winter, as well as for air defence. President von der Leyen also recalled the need for collective enforcement of existing sanctions related to Russia.
