European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her annual State of the Union address tomorrow in Strasbourg, a speech that is expected to set the tone for what promises to be one of the most testing years for the European Union. With wars raging on Europe’s doorstep, mounting social pressures, and the Green Deal under strain, expectations are high that von der Leyen will present a clear and ambitious vision for the future.
Addressing a press briefing in Strasbourg on the eve of the address, Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba, a member of the Socialists and Democrats Group, warned that the EU’s credibility is now at stake.
“Europe is truly at a crossroads,” he said, pointing to growing geopolitical tensions involving China and the United States, the war in Gaza and political instability in France.
“The Commission needs to show clarity and leadership in such an uncertain moment.”
Agius Saliba was particularly critical of what he described as a vacuum in the EU’s social agenda. He argued that rights for workers are stagnating, citing the long-delayed ‘right to disconnect’ directive.
“We continue to see the Commission dragging its feet, when what we need is more ambition on workers’ rights and industrial relations, and policies that are closer to the citizen,” he oted.
Housing affordability and quality jobs, he stressed, must also be prioritised. “Citizens expect Europe to address issues that impact their everyday lives. Without affordable housing and decent jobs, we cannot claim to be improving people’s wellbeing,” Agius Saliba said.
He also raised alarm about Europe’s reliance on US-based digital infrastructure. “Eighty-nine per cent of cloud infrastructure is based outside the EU. We need stronger digital resilience and autonomy if we want to remain competitive,” he warned.
The Maltese MEP argued that only a stronger, more decisive European Commission can restore confidence.
“We need a clear and strong message to avoid further uncertainty in Europe. That will give us more credibility with citizens and help us remain competitive against global rivals. Above all, the EU must assert itself as a credible player on the international stage.”
Nationalist MEP David Casa, from the EPP group, also highlighted the need for the EU to strengthen its credibility, particularly in the area of media freedom and the protection of journalists.
“We need to ensure that journalists are protected everywhere, from Gaza to Europe. The Media Freedom Act exists, but it must now be enforced,” Casa insisted. He also welcomed EU efforts on anti-SLAPP rules, designed to protect journalists from abusive lawsuits, but expressed concern that member states like Malta had yet to fully implement its recommendations.
Casa also flagged concerns about the upcoming EU budget, warning against the diversion of social funds. “We must make sure that not a single euro meant for the social sector is used elsewhere. There is a risk that some governments may deliberately choose not to use these funds so they can be diverted. I am convinced we will find a majority in Parliament to oppose cuts, but first we need to see the full picture,” he said.
On defence and foreign policy, Casa said Europe must prepare to defend itself and stand firmly with Ukraine.
At the same time, he called for an end to the war in Gaza. “We cannot accept to see in 2025 the same atrocities we witnessed in the Second World War. We hope for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and for people not to die of hunger,” he said.
Casa also rejected proposals on “chat control,” which would allow authorities to monitor private communications in the fight against child abuse.
“This is not the way forward. We need to find solutions, but certainly not by interfering in citizens’ privacy. That would be the wrong approach,” he said, calling for a trilogue to reach a balanced position.
Keith Zahra, Strasbourg
