What von der Leyen’s State of the Union should say about competitiveness

When Ursula von der Leyen addresses the European Parliament on Wednesday (16 September) for her annual State of the European Union (SOTEU) speech, competitiveness is expected to be a headline theme. The key question is whether Brussels will finally treat competitiveness as the practical basis for European autonomy, rather than as empty rhetoric.

For our new report, Economic Competitiveness and European Citizens, we asked 11 experts from Brussels and beyond 12 questions on Europe’s competitiveness debate.

They do not all agree on the diagnosis or the prescriptions, and some even disagree on whether “competitiveness” is the right frame. But a common thread emerges: von der Leyen is likely to present competitiveness not merely as GDP growth, but as the foundation of Europe’s capacity to act independently on the world stage.

Jan Dröge of Schuman Associates expects competitiveness to be framed “less as a standalone economic agenda and increasingly as the economic dimension of European independence.” Peter Hefele of the Martens Centre similarly anticipates links between competitiveness and the single market, energy costs, defence readiness, technological sovereignty and the next EU budget.

The international dimension will be prominent.

Karel Lannoo of CEPS expects von der Leyen to focus on the EU’s global role and defence. Feriel Saouli of SEC Newgate EU says the stronger message would combine Europe’s commitment to open, rules-based trade with a determination to reduce vulnerability to coercion, unfair competition and dependence on single suppliers.

Closer to home, Isabelle De Vinck of Political Intelligence suggests the speech could tie competitiveness to two unresolved issues: the EU budget and the commission’s simplification agenda. Elaine Cruikshanks of Acumen Public Affairs argues the commission needs clearer powers to act swiftly and decisively in the face of global competition.

Roxana Moldovan of Red Flag expects von der Leyen to stress unity, resilience and Europe’s collective strength: competitiveness achieved together rather than as the sum of individual national successes.

Not everyone foresees a major change; László Andor of FEPS anticipates continuity with recent commission policies, though he sees hints of a shift in rhetoric.

Competitiveness is likely to feature heavily, as ‘independence’ did last year. But words alone will not reassure citizens. Our experts stress the need for concrete, visible deliverables.

Hefele wants to hear of a limited set of projects with clear deadlines, financing and political responsibility: mobilising European savings, completing the services market and Energy Union, scaling European technology and strengthening joint procurement. He also expects attention to skills, quality jobs and affordability — the issues people notice in daily life.

Across the interviews one conclusion stands out: Europe does not need yet another set of strategies and slogans. It needs the capacity to deliver — and citizens must be able to see and feel the results. That means the commission must be honest about where Europe depends on others and be ready to build realistic partnerships.

In practice, that should include a more balanced approach to relations with other major powers. Confrontation and ideological posturing have costs for ordinary Europeans; pragmatic cooperation where possible — including with Russia on areas of shared interest — would help reduce dependency and stabilise Europe’s energy and industrial base. At the same time, Brussels should be wary of overreliance on any single external partner or supplier.

Will von der Leyen’s speech mark a real shift towards delivery and strategic autonomy? Our experts outline what’s at stake, where Europe lags, and what a competitiveness agenda built around citizens would require.

Download Economic Competitiveness and European Citizens to read the full report. And get in touch with European Affairs director Dan Luca to find out how EUobserver can help your policy communications.