September plenary: the challenges ahead for the EU

Welcome to our September edition. During a busy plenary in Strasbourg, MEPs examined the critical challenges for Europe in a key debate with the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Members took a stand on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and heard from Moldova’s President on the stakes in this month’s elections in the country. They also voted on regulations protecting travellers, food and textile waste, as well as carbon import duties. Here’s your update from the heart of the EU.

The big moment of the week was the debate on the State of the European Union (SOTEU) - an opportunity for the European Parliament to hear what the European Commission has been working on and to raise issues with the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read below our detailed analysis and discover what this means for you and for Europe’s future.

This week, our media channels have been buzzing with exclusive coverage of the State of the Union speech, lively plenary debates, posts, backstage and key moments from Strasbourg. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola shared her thoughts on SOTEU’s bold agenda, highlighting the Parliament’s unique role as Europe’s democratic heartbeat. Metsola also spoke to journalists after the debate.

Check out our website for exclusive photos and videos from the event.

What did you make of the European Parliament’s plenary session this month? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

State of the European Union 2025 – Europe paving its own path

On 10 September in Strasbourg, MEPs held a nearly four-hour debate with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the EU’s most pressing challenges.

“This is Europe’s independence moment,” said von der Leyen right at the start of her statement. She argued that the EU must be able to take care of its own defence and security, master the technologies and energies powering its economy, define its democratic values, and engage with the world on its own terms.

The Commission President announced plans for further support to Ukraine. She also took a strong stand on Gaza, saying that famine cannot be used as a weapon of war and proposing sanctions against Israel.

On economic issues, von der Leyen said her Commission is working on the introduction of a digital euro, a multi-billion-euro tech investment fund, a Battery Booster plan to power Europe’s green future, and a strategy to eradicate poverty in Europe by 2050. She also defended the agreement on tariffs with the US, saying it provided crucial stability and prevented a full-fledged trade war.

Members’ reactions: praise and criticism

The Members of the European Parliament had mixed views on the Commission President’s announcements. 

The leader of the European People’s Party group, Manfred Weber, praised the Commission for its efforts to cut red tape and strengthen EU defence, while the co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists, Nicola Procaccini, offered support for the tariff agreement with the US and welcomed recent proposals on migration policy. 

However, the agreement with US President Donald Trump on trade was met with strong criticism from others. Social-Democrat leader Iratxe García called it unfair and unacceptable and said she would like to see it amended, while Martin Schirdewan from the Left Group described it as a “total capitulation” that would cost Europe many thousands of jobs. Jordan Bardella from the Patriots for Europe group said that the agreement sacrifices key French industries.

Others called for stronger EU leadership. Renew Europe leader Valérie Hayer warned that the EU is losing Europeans' trust because it has become too weak to defend them. Green co-chair Bas Eickhout called for Europe to “stop thinking as a market and start thinking as a power”. René Aust from the Europe of Sovereign Nations group said that Europe is falling behind in global competition due to a lack of entrepreneurial freedom. 

Across the political spectrum, speakers called for a more resolute Europe that is ready to defend its interests in the world — but the debate continues on how to get there.

Share your views

Did you watch the State of the Union debate? What stood out for you and what should the EU focus on: defence, security, technology, or something else? Tell us below! #SOTEU

Other highlights from the September plenary

Standing with Ukraine

MEPs held a debate on Ukraine on Tuesday morning, exploring paths to peace and evaluating the country’s progress toward EU membership. Later, they adopted a resolution, urging Kyiv to continue reforms and calling on the European Commission to ensure quick negotiations for EU membership.

Gaza: Parliament demands lifting of blockade and hostage release

Following a debate on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Israeli government’s obstruction of humanitarian aid and saying that Israel’s right to self-defence does not justify indiscriminate military action. Israel should open border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to reach starving people in Gaza, all hostages held by Hamas must be released, and EU countries should consider recognising the Palestinian state, the resolution said.

Backing Moldova’s sovereignty

In a speech before MEPs, Moldova’s President Maia Sandu highlighted the importance of the parliamentary elections in the country later this month and the risks from Russian interference. “The Kremlin’s goal is clear”, Sandu said, “to capture Moldova through the ballot box, to use us against Ukraine, and to turn us into a launchpad for hybrid attacks on the European Union”. The next day, Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Russian threats against the country.

Reducing food and textile waste

MEPs adopted new rules to cut food and textile waste. The legislation sets binding targets for reducing food waste by 2030 and introduces producer responsibility schemes that will see textile producers cover the costs for collecting, sorting and recycling waste textiles.

Simplifying rules on carbon import duties

The European Parliament approved changes to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that imposes fees on imported goods in some sectors to make sure that companies operating in the EU and complying with EU carbon emission rules are not at a disadvantage vis-à-vis global competitors. The updates seek to exempt most importers, especially small businesses, without compromising EU climate ambitions.

More sustainable cars

Parliament approved its position on new rules on the design, reuse and recycling of cars, which aim to reduce the automotive industry’s environmental impact. MEPs insist that manufacturers should cover the costs of collection and treatment of vehicles that will no longer be used, and that such vehicles should not be exported. Next step: negotiations with the Council on the legislation.

Better protection for travellers

MEPs are revising rules protecting the rights of travellers that have bought combined travel services from a single company for a single price. The rules should clarify when travellers can cancel their trips. Consumers should also have the right to refuse vouchers and insist on a refund if holiday plans go wrong. Talks with EU governments on the final shape of the new rules are set to begin on 24 September.

Our next edition will be published after the next plenary session, on 13 October. Stay tuned for more EU insights! #EPlenary 

Europe faces big choices right now — from defence and climate action to humanitarian crises and digital innovation.

If you could pick one priority for the EU to focus on this autumn, what would it be?

Comment below 👇 and let’s start the conversation!

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