State of the Union: former addresses

The State of the Union (SOTEU) address is an annual speech by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament, setting her priorities for the Union for the year ahead. Settled since the Treaty of Lisbon, the first speech occurred in September 2010. It is a key moment in EU’s democracy - an opportunity to reflect on the past year, outline the EU’s priorities, announce new initiatives. The address is followed by a debate with Members of the European Parliament, reinforcing accountability.