State of the Union:
promises kept
In 2022, President von der Leyen committed to making proposals to advance Europe’s security, prosperity and social well-being.
Security – defending European peace
7.9 million Ukrainians
have benefitted from EU and other humanitarian support between January and June 2023.
+ €76 billion
provided by the EU and member countries to support Ukraine.
€100 million
to rebuild schools and providing the donation of 300 buses from 11 EU countries to bring Ukrainian children safely to their schools.
Almost one fifth of Ukraine’s children have found a safe haven in the EU.
11 sanctions packages
against Russia – hindering the country's ability to finance and fight the war.
€1.2 billion
2023 investment of the European Defence Fund into projects to increase our security.
Prosperity – investing
in Europe’s future
Regained our energy independence - in 2023, less than 10% of our total gas imports now come from Russian pipelines.
More electricity produced from wind and solar in 2022 than from gas.
New initiatives and laws to speed up the European Green Deal, including a plan to make the EU’s industry climate neutral.
€43 billion to support the manufacturing of semiconductors within the EU through the European Chips Act.
New rules to protect online users, including minors, via the Digital Services Act.
Ensuring fair and open digital markets thanks to the Digital Markets Act.
More support for the European Single Market – 2023 marks the 30th anniversary since its formation.
The Single Market means
440 million people
23 million businesses
15% of global GDP
European Year of Skills 2023 – measures to support workers and businesses.
NextGenerationEU
€800 billion for the modernisation of our economies in the EU.
Global Gateway
€300 billion invested in sustainable projects around the world, with 90 projects already underway.
Trade
free trade agreements with Chile and New Zealand
economic partnership with Kenya
advancing with Australia, Mexico and MERCOSUR
Prosperity – investing
in Europe’s future
Regained our energy independence - in 2023, less than 10% of our total gas imports now come from Russian pipelines.
More electricity produced from wind and solar in 2022 than from gas.
New initiatives and laws to speed up the European Green Deal, including a plan to make the EU’s industry climate neutral.
€43 billion to support the manufacturing of semiconductors within the EU through the European Chips Act.
New rules to protect online users, including minors, via the Digital Services Act.
Ensuring fair and open digital markets thanks to theDigital Markets Act.
More support for the European Single Market – 2023 marks the 30th anniversary since its formation.
The Single Market means
440 million people
23 million businesses
15% of global GDP
European Year of Skills 2023 to support workers and businesses.
NextGenerationEU
€800 billion for the modernisation of our economies in the EU.
Global Gateway
€300 billion invested in sustainable projects around the world, with 90 projects already underway.
Trade
free trade agreements with Chile and New Zealand
economic partnership with Kenya
advancing with Australia, Mexico and MERCOSUR
Social well-being – building resilience
Anti-corruption – proposals to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide. A new dedicated sanctions regime to target serious acts of corruption worldwide has also been proposed.
Ensuring equality – the EU joined the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Actions to increase cybersecurity and bolster defences against hybrid threats to critical areas like energy, transport and digital infrastructure.
European Health Union – the EU is preparing for potential future pandemics and addressing pressing health issues such as cancer and mental health
Medicines – pharmaceutical laws will be amended to make medicines more available, accessible and affordable.
Safer migration – support to member states and new action plans on the Central and Western Mediterranean, and on Western Balkans.
Labour Migration Platform – promotes skilled labour migration from non-EU countries.
Wildfires and floods – EU provides crucial support to countries in need.
€8.4 billion – initial funding for humanitarian needs around the world in 2023.
Social well-being – building resilience
Anti-corruption – proposals to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide. A new dedicated sanctions regime to target serious acts of corruption worldwide has also been proposed.
Ensuring equality – the EU joined the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Actions to increase cybersecurity and bolster defences against hybrid threats to critical areas like energy, transport and digital infrastructure.
European Health Union – the EU is preparing for potential future pandemics and addressing pressing health issues such as cancer and mental health.
Medicines – pharmaceutical laws will be amended to make medicines more available, accessible and affordable.
Safer migration – support to member states and new action plans on the Central and Western Mediterranean, and on Western Balkans.
Labour Migration Platform – promotes skilled labour migration from non-EU countries.
Wildfires and floods – EU provides crucial support to countries in need.
€8.4 billion – initial funding for humanitarian needs around the world in 2023.
Defending European peace
Our unwavering support to Ukraine for as long as it takes and our commitments on the globe stage.
Investing in Europe's prosperity
Building a green and digital fair economy for all.
Building Europe's societal resilience
Protecting and reinforcing our democratic values and rights for an inclusive society.
Discover the Commission’s upcoming plans in the 2023 SOTEU speech
13 September 2023 in Strasbourg
Mark your calendar and
#SOTEU
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