Last Wednesday, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered what was billed as the closing address of this mandate on the state of the union. Across the room, observers noted a sense of optimism from the speaker, yet the overall assessment remains guarded: after five years of leadership, the union’s condition is widely described as regrettable by many critics who worry about declining competitiveness and strategic missteps.
Frans Timmermans, the vice president long seen as the main champion of a tighter climate policy, has stepped away from the European stage for a foray into Dutch politics. His policy agenda has been controversial, featuring measures such as a planned ban on registering combustion engine cars after 2035 and a push to restore swamps and wetlands, even when that comes at the cost of agricultural land and food production capacity.
What did the head of the European Commission say?
In her remarks, Von der Leyen touched on the EC’s approach to sustainable migration, highlighting a pact proposed by Commissioner Johansson. The scene on the ground underscored the challenges: more than a hundred boats reached the Italian island of Lampedusa in a short span, carrying nearly 8,000 people who entered illegally, while France signaled it would close its border with Italy amid growing tensions over arrivals.
The president also announced the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into electric vehicles imported from China, a move that sits within a broader discussion about how Beijing has long benefited from EU climate policies while maintaining other economic advantages on the continent.
China’s role in trade and energy investments remains large: the country continues to fund coal projects and expand coal-fired capacity even as it ranks among the top suppliers of photovoltaic panels and electric vehicles in the EU market. Critics argue this dual stance complicates Europe’s climate transition and industrial competitiveness, as EU firms increasingly seek opportunities beyond European borders in response to policy shifts and global demand.
From this perspective, the alliance with clean energy technologies coexists with significant geopolitical and economic dependencies. The risk, some observers warn, is that Europe could become more reliant on external suppliers for critical inputs while pursuing aggressive climate agendas that strain domestic industries and employment, especially in sectors most exposed to global competition.
As the debate unfolds, there are concerns about the structural financial position of the bloc. Analysts note that the 2021-2027 EU budget has seen proposals for adjustments and increases, with discussions about additional funds intended to support recovery and cohesion programs across member states. Debates continue about the balance between borrowing, repaying debt, and sustaining essential public investments in infrastructure, innovation, and social programs.
In this context, diverse voices emphasize the need for prudent fiscal planning and clearer transparency in how funds are allocated and spent. Some argue that ensuring the rule of law and maintaining fiscal accountability should be central to policymaking, while others warn that political tensions and internal disagreements could undermine long-term stability and growth.
Valuable comments from Prof. Legutko
In response to the president’s remarks, Professor Legutko underscored the importance of accountability and openness. He called for public disclosure of key communications related to pharmaceutical contracts, including correspondence and negotiations that involve significant billions of euros in potential deals. He suggested that only with transparent records could the leadership demonstrate a commitment to lawful governance.
Legutko also reminded readers of the perceived political pressures that can accompany high-stakes decisions within the member states. He drew a stark comparison, noting that while some leaders face limited instruments to influence electoral processes, others operate in ways that raise concerns about democratic norms and proportionality.
Finally, he invoked a familiar expression to urge a focus on constructive reform, hinting that the best path forward might start with strengthening the legal foundations of the union rather than entangling them further in controversial, precedent-setting actions. The implication was clear: a stable future for the EU hinges on principled governance and practical, enforceable rules that endure beyond any single mandate.