12/09/2025
EU Insight 12 September 2025
Brussels, 12 September 2025
VON DER LEYEN SETS OUT DEFENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS PRIORITIES IN SOTEU ADDRESS
In her annual State of the European Union address, Commission President von der Leyen stressed the importance of Europe fighting for its peace, values, democracy and freedom in the current hostile environment. She also urged for the so-called ‘pro-European democratic forces’ to come together to tackle key challenges ahead. A major amount of her time was dedicated to Ukraine, notably announcing further commitments and upcoming sanctions package against Russia. In the context of mounting pressures to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza, President von der Leyen announced a fresh package of measures against Israel. Her speech also previewed measures covering defence, competitiveness, including decarbonisation, digitalisation and simplification, as well as commitments to climate goals. Moving forward, the Commission is set to unveil its highly anticipated 2026 Work Programme towards the end of October.
MACRON NAMES CLOSE ALLY AS NEW FRENCH PRIME MINISTER
President Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu, previous Defence Minister and long-time ally, as the new French Prime Minister. The appointment follows the resignation of François Bayrou, after failing to earn the National Assembly’s confidence on his government and upcoming budgetary reforms. Lecornu will be the fourth PM to attempt working with the French Parliament, since Macron called snap elections in June 2024. The question now remains on how long the newly appointed Prime Minister, and his future government will remain in place in view of the current political and institutional deadlock facing France. Notably, Lecornu will face the difficult situation of trying to secure an agreement on the 2026 budget, a task also pressing as France was already placed under Excessive Debt Procedure by the Commission last year.
COMMISSION PRESENTS 2025 EDITION OF STRATEGIC FORESIGHT REPORT
The Commission released its anticipated 2025 Strategic Foresight Report, the first edition since the start of the second term of President von der Leyen. Building upon the Niinistö report and the recent EU strategy on preparedness union, the Commission proposes a rebranding of the concept of resilience for the EU to better anticipate and adapt to upcoming challenges. After identifying key megatrends currently facing Europe and the world, the report presents 8 areas of actions for the EU to strengthen its action, such as security, technology, economic resilience, sustainability and democracy. The Commission conceived the so-called Resilience 2.0 report with a view to deliver peace, democratic values and people’s wellbeing’s objectives in Europe with a forward-looking outlook for 2040.
COMMISSION HITS GOOGLE WITH €2.95 BILLION FINE FOLLOWING ANTITRUST RULES VIOLATION
The Commission hit Google with a €2.95 billion fine for violating EU antitrust rules. Indeed, Google was found guilty of distorted competition in the advertising technology industry, abusing its dominant position with publishers and advertisers, ultimately impacting the consumers. As a result, the Commission gave 60 days to Google to inform of its next steps and propose corrective measures. Notably, the Commission is asking Google to end its self-preferencing practices and establish measures to stop the existing conflicts of interest. The Commission’s decision comes amid tense transatlantic relations, particularly with President Trump, who warns the EU he could launch an investigation into potential tariffs on European tech practices.
COMMISSION ROLLS OUT €150 BILLION ALLOCATION PLAN TO FOSTER EU DEFENCE
Earlier this week, the Commission adopted a tentative €150 billion allocation to strengthen defence readiness across the EU under the so-called Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. Since the Council approved the programme in May, 19 Member States have indicated they intend to take part, pushing demand beyond the available budget. With the 10-year period for loan repayment, the Commission intends to help Member States to respond to the critical defence gaps and increase their defence capabilities. The Commission is now waiting for Member States national investment plans, due by end November, before starting the disbursements in early 2026.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
- 15-16 September: Informal meeting of health ministers.
- 16 September: General Affairs Council. On the agenda: October European Council, rule of law.
- 17 September: College of Commissioners. On the agenda: Joint Communication on a new Strategic EU-India Agenda.
- 18 September: Environmental Council. On the agenda: European climate law, EU nationally determined contribution to the UNFCCC.
- 19 September: Eurogroup.
- 19-20 September: Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers.
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