About: State of the Union

It’s time for Europe to deliver on an ambitious industrial strategy

As the EU's annual industry day approaches, the time is ripe to deliver on an ambitious industrial strategy that builds on Europe’s unique strengths, unlocks the potential of digital technology and data, and helps innovative companies solve societal challenges, writes Malte Lohan.

Political fiction, a form of European activism

Writing fiction, especially science fiction, can become an act of political activism. After all, as Giuseppe Porcaro asks, if we can’t imagine multiple future scenarios for Europe how do we expect to build a better one?

Juncker’s secret 6th scenario already exists

In March, President Juncker outlined his five scenarios for the future of Europe, which boiled down to a simple question: more or less of the status quo? His recent admission of a mysterious “sixth scenario” must mean a radical, sustainable, people-focused rethink of the European project, write Leida Rijnhout and Paul de Clerck.

‘Unexpectedly good times for the EU’

Andrew Hammond gives a foretaste of what European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker may say in his State of the Union speech on 12 September.

An economy of, by and for the people

Europe’s economy has clearly seen better days. Facing great technological and societal change, it is marred by a sluggish recovery and a lack of investment, write Reinhard Bütikofer and Philippe Lamberts.

The children’s State of the European Union

President Juncker will address the European Parliament tomorrow (14 September) on the State of the Union, and then the informal meeting in Bratislava will discuss Europe’s future. Jana Hainsworth urges EU leaders to think about how Europe can best serve its children.

Juncker’s State of the Union: A historic opportunity fumbled

Jean-Claude Juncker had the unique opportunity to make his State of the Union speech special. Unfortunately, he left many of Europe’s “monumental” challenges unaddressed, writes Kristina Sperkova.

If Europe was stronger…

I would happily agree to transfer more powers to the European Union if in exchange they protected my interests more strongerly and efficiently than national institutions can provide, writes Ivailo Kalfin.

Which institutions for the euro area?

José Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy have already sketched out the broad outlines of an institutional architecture for the euro area that is sound in monetary matters but which needs to be further improved by combining effectiveness and legitimacy, writes António Vitorino.

Delivering a ‘lead’ candidate for the 2014 European elections

In his latest State of the Union address to the European Parliament, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso asked all political parties to present a ‘lead’ candidate for the European elections. The reason that the call was such a surprise was that the Party of European Socialists has been working on this for the last three years, argues Sergei Stanishey.

Europe is not the cause of all your woes

José Manuel Barroso's State of the Union speech to the European Parliament presented a welcome contrast with the Euroscepticism and pessimism of public discourse in Europe today, argues Staffan Nilsson.