EU State of the Union Address – Cefic Assessment

The key policy messages highlighted in European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2026 State of the European Union address were assessed by Cefic Director General Marco Mensink from the perspective of European industry. The assessment particularly highlights competitiveness, high energy costs, global trade, and the need for concrete measures to support industrial transformation.

17.09.2026

Following the 2026 State of the European Union (SOTEU) address delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, we would like to share with you the assessment prepared by Cefic Director General Marco Mensink.


In his assessment, Mensink highlights that the speech focused particularly on geopolitical developments, European security, energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, trade, and the EU’s global position, while noting that more concrete action is still expected to address the competitiveness challenges currently facing European industry.


From the perspective of the chemical industry, some of the key points highlighted in the assessment are summarised below:


  • Competitiveness and industrial policy: Although “competitiveness” was not explicitly mentioned in the speech, kick-starting the European economy was presented as a key priority. The Commission reiterated its commitment to faster permitting, regulatory simplification, and reducing administrative burdens.


  • Energy costs: It was acknowledged that energy prices in Europe remain structurally high. The speech highlighted the need to accelerate electrification and infrastructure deployment, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and promote home-grown, technology-neutral energy sources. Mensink, however, points out that no concrete solution was presented as to how the high energy costs currently facing European industry will be addressed.


  • Climate policy: The speech signalled that the EU’s existing climate targets remain firmly in place. Rather than announcing additional climate mitigation measures, greater emphasis was placed on climate adaptation and preparedness for physical risks such as wildfires. The absence of direct references to either the Green Deal or the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) was also noted.


  • China and global trade: Attention was drawn to the growing imbalance in EU–China trade, with approximately EUR 1 billion per day flowing from Europe to China. However, no new trade measures targeting China were announced, leaving room for the ongoing EU–China discussions.


  • The EU’s global position: The presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the strong emphasis on EU–Canada relations were seen as signals of the EU’s intention to pursue closer strategic cooperation with like-minded partners such as Canada, Japan, and South Korea.


  • Security and strategic autonomy: Strengthening Europe’s own security capabilities, continuing support for Ukraine, and increasing resilience against hybrid and cyber threats were among the key messages of the speech.


Overall, Cefic’s assessment acknowledges positively the high-level focus on the geopolitical and security challenges facing Europe. At the same time, it underlines the view that the current situation of European industry — particularly the pressures arising from high energy costs and declining competitiveness — was not addressed with sufficient concrete measures.


You can access the full assessment prepared by Marco Mensink here.


You can access the full text of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union address here.