President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker delivered his second annual ‘State of the European Union’ address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 14 September 2016. The speech, entitled ‘Towards a Better Europe – A Europe that Protects, Empowers and Defends’ took stock of the achievements of the past year and set out the priorities for the upcoming year of his Presidency of the Commission. The speech was followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament.

Background

Since the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the European union address at the European Parliament every year in September. The speech is intended to kick-start dialogue with the European Council and European Parliament to prepare the Work Programme of the Commission for the upcoming year. The President and Vice President of the Commission also send a Letter of Intent, outlining concrete initiatives planned by the Commission to the President of the European Parliament and the rotating President of the European Council. This is intended to make political life in the Union more transparent and democratic, as outlined in the Framework Agreement of 2010.

2016 Speech

President Juncker opened by reflecting upon the current existential crisis in the European Union. He stated that he had never before seen such a disconnect between the priorities of national governments and those of the EU. He had never before seen so much fragmentation and lack of commonality in the EU as during the current period. He emphasised the need for the leaders of EU institutions and national governments alike to regain the trust of European citizens.

Key issues

President Juncker outlined his priorities for the upcoming year around several key themes:
• A Europe that protects
• A Europe that preserves the European way of life
• A Europe that empowers
• A Europe that defends
• A Europe that takes responsibility

A key priority was the protection of EU citizens, through fostering unity in the face of threats such as populism and terrorism. President Juncker reiterated a number of key European values that must be guaranteed. He spoke of the need to respect the freedom of movement of workers as central to the European success story. In light of the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, President Juncker stated that there would be no ‘à la carte’ access to the European Single Market.

Trade

The Commission President highlighted the importance of trade, and the EU-Canada trade deal in particular as an important step forward. Fair competition should be guaranteed across the Single Market, with the legislation on Posted Workers being respected in all Member States, while protecting consumers against abuses by powerful companies, citing the recent Apple ruling and the commitment of the Commission to ensuring a spirit of fairness in the Single Market..

Investment

President Juncker outlined a number of ways to empower EU citizens, through enhanced internet connectivity across all parts of Europe, fair copyright measures and combatting youth unemployment. Following the success of the Investment Plan for Europe, President Juncker committed to at least €500 billion of investment under the European Investment Fund by 2020. Work on the Capital Markets union should be accelerated, in order to make Europe’s financial system more resilient and to offer vital sources of funding to help businesses and market financing. An Investment Plan for Africa and the Neighbourhood was proposed, aiming to raise at least €44 billion in investment. This Plan aims to support those who would otherwise be forced to take dangerous journeys in search of a better life.

Security

Security was among the most significant themes in President Juncker’s address. Plans to reinforce the EU’s external borders and to support the work of Frontex with a new European Border and Coast guard were outlined, as well as a European Travel Information System, as a means of identifying who will be allowed to travel to Europe in advance of their arrival. A European Defence Fund was proposed, to encourage research and innovation in this area. President Juncker called for a “toughening up” in matters of European Defence Policy, referring to the possibility for the pooling of Defence resources outlined in the Lisbon Treaty. Furthermore, the geopolitical role of the EU on the future direction to be taken in Syria should be greater, as President Juncker called for High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Francesca Mogherini to have a place at the table in such international negotiations.
Conclusion
President Juncker concluded by urging each of the 27 leaders attending the Bratislava Summit on this Friday, 16 September 2016, to think of three reasons why we need the European Union. Three things they are willing to take responsibility for defending. And that they are willing to deliver swiftly afterwards.

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